The Neighbour Principle

🧭 THE NEIGHBOUR PRINCIPLE

A simple idea with enormous consequences.

What Is the Neighbour Principle?

Lord Atkin introduced the idea that we owe a duty of care to our “neighbours” — not in the literal sense, but in the legal sense.

Your “neighbour” is anyone who might be reasonably affected by your actions.

Why It Matters

This principle became the foundation of modern negligence law. It tells us that responsibility isn’t limited to contracts — it extends to anyone who could be harmed by what we do.

Examples for Students

•      A driver owes a duty of care to pedestrians.

•      A café owes a duty of care to customers.

•      A manufacturer owes a duty of care to consumers.

Classroom Activity

Ask students to list five everyday situations where someone owes a duty of care.

Then discuss what “reasonable care” looks like in each case.