Question

The four elements of a ‘wrong’ are: duty, breach of duty, causation and injury. What kind of wrongs are these as recognized by the common law ?

• A. Customary
• B. Tortious
• C. Contractual
• D. Criminal

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

In common law, the four elements described—duty, breach of duty, causation, and injury—are essential components of a tortious wrong. Torts are civil wrongs that cause harm or loss, resulting in legal liability for the person who commits the tortious act. Let's briefly explain each element:

1. Duty: In tort law, a duty refers to the obligation to adhere to a standard of reasonable care while performing any acts that could foreseeably cause harm to others.
2. Breach of Duty: This occurs when one fails to observe the standard of care that a reasonable person would have in similar circumstances, effectively violating the duty owed to another.
3. Causation: The breach must have caused the injury, meaning there is a direct link between the breach of duty and the harm sustained.
4. Injury: The plaintiff must have suffered an actual injury or harm as a result of the breach. This can be physical, emotional, or financial.

Given these elements, such wrongs are classified as tortious in nature, distinguishing them from other categories such as customary, contractual, or criminal wrongs.