Torts I

Degrees of Negligence

Some jurisdictions used to distinguish between different "degrees" of negligence. This idea distinguishes degrees of negligence.

• Slight negligence is failure to use great care
• Ordinary negligence is failure to use reasonable care
• Gross negligence is failure to use even slight care

This idea has since been rejected by almost all states. It mainly only remains in the law of bailments and in automobile guest statutes.

Recklessness is a similar idea to gross negligence, but it has even higher requirements.