Question

An organization is charged with a safety offence and defends itself on the grounds

that it took all reasonable steps to avoid the particular event. What is this defence
known as?
a) Due process
b) Reasonable cause
c) Due diligence
d) Just cause

Answer 1

Due diligence is the defense used when an organization claims to have taken all reasonable steps to prevent an event, indicating they met a standard of care to avoid harm.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an organization is charged with a safety offense and defends itself by asserting that it took all reasonable steps to avoid the event, this defense is known as due diligence. Due diligence in legal terms means that a person or organization has taken all reasonable measures to prevent foreseeable harm or to comply with a standard of care. This concept is distinct from due process, which is a legal requirement ensuring fair treatment through the normal judicial system, especially as a citizen's entitlement. In terms of organizational responsibility, demonstrating due diligence can help to establish that there was a genuine intent to operate safely and under applicable laws and regulations, which can mitigate legal consequences or penalties.