What is meant by "strict liability"?

The concept of "strict liability" refers to a legal standard where a party can be held liable for injuries or damages caused by their activities or products, regardless of whether or not they acted with negligence or intent to cause harm. This means that the plaintiff does not need to prove that the defendant was negligent or intended to cause harm; they only need to demonstrate that the defendant was engaged in a certain activity that is considered inherently dangerous.

Inherent danger is the key factor in strict liability cases, which often involve activities like using explosives, keeping wild animals, or manufacturing defective products. The rationale behind strict liability is that the activities carried out are so hazardous that it is fair for the operator to bear the risks associated with any harm arising from them, thus providing strong protection for public safety.

The other options do not capture the essence of strict liability. The requirement to prove negligence is characteristic of ordinary negligence claims, not strict liability. Holding a plaintiff responsible for their own harm relates to comparative or contributory negligence, which is distinct from strict liability. Finally, intentional harm does not encapsulate the broader range of strict liability situations, which include various forms of accidental harm without intent. Thus, recognizing strict liability as encompassing liability for inherently dangerous activities without the need to prove