What does the term "strict liability" refer to?

The term "strict liability" refers specifically to situations where a party can be held legally responsible for the damages or injuries their actions cause, irrespective of whether there was any negligence or intent to cause harm. This principle is commonly applied in tort law, particularly in cases involving defective products.

When a product is deemed to have "unreasonably dangerous characteristics," the manufacturer or seller can be held strictly liable for any injuries that result from its use, even if they took proper care in the design and manufacture of the product. This is designed to protect consumers by ensuring that companies are accountable for the safety of their products, promoting a higher standard of care in manufacturing.

In contrast, the other options involve concepts that are related to liability but do not capture the essence of strict liability. For instance, injuries caused by negligence require proof that a party failed to act with reasonable care, which is not necessary in strict liability cases. Intentional harm necessitates demonstrating that the harm was done willfully, and legal responsibility based on fault involves proving negligence or fault, which strict liability does not require.