What is the definition of strict liability in tort law?

The definition of strict liability in tort law is that it is liability regardless of fault. This means that a party can be held liable for damages or injuries caused by their actions or products without the need for the injured party to prove any negligence or intent to cause harm. Strict liability applies primarily in cases involving inherently dangerous activities or defective products, where public policy dictates that those engaged in such activities or those who manufacture products should bear the consequences of their actions as a form of social responsibility.

In contrast, definitions that hinge on criminal intent, negligence, or intentional harm would not apply to strict liability. For instance, liability conditioned on negligence requires a demonstration that the responsible party failed to act with reasonable care, which is not a requirement under strict liability. Similarly, strict liability does not pertain solely to scenarios involving intentional harm, as it encompasses situations where harm occurs regardless of the intention behind the actor's conduct. Thus, the essence of strict liability lies in its non-reliance on fault, making it a distinctive concept in tort law.