How is negligence defined in civil law?

Negligence in civil law is fundamentally defined as a failure to exercise reasonable care, which results in harm to another person. This definition encompasses the idea that individuals have a duty to act with a certain standard of care that is expected in a given situation. When someone fails to meet this standard and their actions or inactions cause injury or damage, they can be held liable for negligence.

This concept focuses on the idea that the harm was unintentional, stemming from a lack of care rather than from a deliberate act. In legal terms, the standard of "reasonable care" is often based on what a reasonably prudent person would have done under similar circumstances, making it a key aspect in determining liability in negligence claims. Consequently, option C accurately captures this essential element of negligence in civil law.