Which group of people is owed the highest duty of care?

The highest duty of care is owed to children because they are often considered unable to fully understand the risks associated with their environment. This heightened duty recognizes that children require a greater level of protection and consideration, as they may not have the maturity or experience to remain safe in potentially hazardous situations.

In legal terms, this duty extends to ensuring that premises are safe and free from hazards that could endanger a child's well-being. The rationale behind this duty is to prevent accidents and injuries that could result from children's natural curiosity and tendency to explore their surroundings without the same level of caution that adults might exercise.

While invitees, licensees, and visitors also have duties of care owed to them, the expectation is lower compared to that of children. For example, invitees are owed a higher duty of care than licensees and visitors because they enter premises for the mutual benefit of both parties. However, the obligation to protect children surpasses that of any typical categories of guests or visitors, given their vulnerability.