University of Central Florida (UCF) BUL3130 Legal and Ethical Environment of Business Practice Exam 2

The principle of strict liability applies primarily to manufacturers of defective products. This legal doctrine holds manufacturers and sellers accountable for any injuries or damages caused by their products, regardless of whether they exercised negligence or intent during the process of designing, manufacturing, or selling the product. The rationale behind strict liability is to promote safety and ensure that consumers are protected from harm that arises from defective products, without requiring the victim to prove fault.

In contrast, holding individuals liable only for negligence, intentional wrongs, or contract breaches does not fit within the strict liability framework. Instead, those scenarios typically involve varying degrees of intent or fault, which are not prerequisites for imposing strict liability. Therefore, manufacturers are uniquely positioned under this legal concept, as they bear the responsibility for ensuring their products are safe for consumers.