According to tort law, what encapsulates the 'duty of care'?

The concept of 'duty of care' in tort law is fundamentally centered on the obligation to ensure that one's actions do not cause foreseeable harm to others. This principle is vital in establishing a framework within which individuals and entities interact, promoting a standard of behavior that seeks to protect others from potential injury or damage. By defining this duty to act reasonably and avoid actions that could lead to harm, the law seeks to balance individual rights with social responsibility.

The notion is underpinned by the idea that when one person can reasonably foresee that their conduct may cause harm to another, they have a duty to exercise caution and foresight to prevent that harm. This obligation is foundational to claims of negligence, where proving the existence of a duty of care is essential to establishing liability. It encapsulates the legal and moral responsibility individuals have within their interactions, contributing to the overall safety and well-being of society.