Negligence in a legal context is defined as:

Negligence in a legal context refers to the failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances, resulting in harm to another party. The essence of negligence is rooted in the idea that individuals have a duty to act (or refrain from acting) in a way that does not cause unreasonable risk of harm to others.

In the context of the provided answer, when one lacks the required care to prevent injury, they breach this duty. This breach can lead to legal consequences if it results in damages or injury to another person. The determination of negligence often involves evaluating whether the actions taken (or not taken) were consistent with what is expected of an ordinary individual in similar situations, which is the crux of understanding responsibilities in legal settings.

This response accurately encapsulates the foundational concept of negligence and its implications within the field of law, emphasizing the importance of care and the potential consequences when that care is absent.