the "reasonable person" standard

The "reasonable person" standard is a way to judge whether someone's actions were appropriate by imagining how an average, sensible person would behave in a similar situation. It focuses on what a typical person with ordinary judgment would do, rather than what someone more experienced or less cautious might do. This standard helps determine if someone acted with care or negligence, especially in legal contexts like accidents or disputes. It’s about assessing behavior from the perspective of a rational, prudent individual to ensure fairness and consistency in evaluating conduct.