deliberate indifference

Deliberate indifference refers to a situation where someone in a position of authority—such as a prison official or healthcare provider—knows about a serious risk or problem but chooses not to take appropriate action to address it. This disregard for the safety or well-being of others indicates a conscious decision to ignore or neglect the issue, which can be considered a form of deliberate cruelty or neglect. It often becomes important in legal contexts to determine whether the responsible party showed a reckless or intentionally indifferent attitude toward preventing harm.