Donoghue v. Stevenson

Definition

Donoghue v. Stevenson is a landmark case in tort law that established the modern concept of negligence and the duty of care. The case involved a woman who became ill after drinking ginger beer that contained a decomposed snail, leading to the court's ruling that manufacturers owe a duty of care to consumers. This case set a precedent for future negligence claims by clarifying the responsibility individuals and companies have toward others when their actions could cause harm.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The case was decided by the House of Lords in 1932, marking a significant development in the law of negligence.
2. It involved May Donoghue, who became ill after consuming ginger beer from a bottle purchased by a friend, which contained the remains of a snail.
3. The court ruled that the manufacturer, David Stevenson, was liable for the injuries caused by the defective product due to the breach of duty of care owed to consumers.
4. The decision established that a duty of care exists even if there is no direct contractual relationship between the injured party and the manufacturer.
5. Donoghue v. Stevenson is often referred to as the 'snail in the bottle' case and is frequently cited in legal discussions surrounding negligence.

Review Questions

• How did Donoghue v. Stevenson redefine the concept of duty of care in negligence cases?
  • Donoghue v. Stevenson redefined duty of care by establishing that manufacturers have an obligation to ensure their products are safe for consumers, even if there is no direct transaction between them. The ruling emphasized that harm caused by defective products falls under the realm of negligence, thereby expanding the scope of who can be held liable. This laid down a foundational principle in tort law, making it clear that individuals must consider the potential impact of their actions on others.
• Discuss the implications of Donoghue v. Stevenson on future negligence claims and consumer protection laws.
  • The implications of Donoghue v. Stevenson are vast, as it paved the way for numerous negligence claims related to product liability and consumer safety. By affirming that manufacturers owe a duty of care to consumers, it led to stricter standards for product safety and quality control. This case has influenced various consumer protection laws, ensuring that individuals can seek compensation for injuries caused by faulty products, thereby promoting accountability within industries.
• Evaluate how Donoghue v. Stevenson reflects broader changes in societal attitudes toward corporate responsibility and consumer rights during its time.
  • Donoghue v. Stevenson reflects significant societal changes regarding corporate responsibility and consumer rights in the early 20th century, as it marked a shift towards holding companies accountable for their products' safety. This case emerged during a time when industrialization was rapidly changing society, leading to increased awareness of consumer protection issues. The ruling signaled an evolving legal landscape where individuals were empowered to challenge corporate negligence, ultimately fostering greater trust and safety in consumer transactions.

Related terms

Duty of Care: A legal obligation requiring individuals to adhere to a standard of reasonable care while performing any acts that could foreseeably harm others.

Tort: A wrongful act or an infringement of a right (other than under contract) leading to civil legal liability.

Negligence: The failure to take proper care in doing something, which results in damage or injury to another person.