Final answer:
The exception to the public duty doctrine is when there is a special relationship, which imposes an individual duty on a public entity towards a specific person under its direct control or custody. The correct option is c.
Step-by-step explanation:
One exception to the public duty doctrine occurs when there is a special relationship. This legal concept indicates that when a special relationship exists between the person harmed and the public entity or official, the duty to care for, protect, or rescue the individual may transcend general public duty.
For instance, a special relationship is formed when the government takes a person into custody and then has an obligation to provide for that person's basic needs because they cannot do so themselves.
Hence, Option c is correct.