Which of the following best describes negligence?

Negligence is best described as the failure to act in a way that a reasonable person would in a similar situation, leading to damage or injury. This concept emphasizes the lack of intention to cause harm, which differentiates it from intentional wrongdoing. In negligence cases, the focus is often on whether the individual acted with a duty of care, and if their failure to meet this standard resulted in harm to another person. This aligns closely with the standards of conduct expected in various professions, including correctional work, where officers have a duty to ensure the safety and well-being of those in their care.

The other options describe scenarios that involve intentional or wrongful actions rather than negligence. For example, intentional misconduct is characterized by deliberate actions aimed at causing harm, while justifiable use of force pertains to situations where force is applied under specific legal parameters. Actions leading to civil rights violations involve direct infringements on individuals' rights, which again does not align with the concept of negligence focused on failure to act appropriately.