DEGREE OF NEGLIGENCE
degree of negligence.One of the varying levels of negligence typically designated as slight
negligence, ordinary negligence, and gross negligence. See NEGLIGENCE. [Cases: Negligence
272–276. C.J.S. Negligence §§ 88–113.]
“Although the common law concept of degrees of negligence has been criticized or
repudiated in many jurisdictions, the usefulness of the view at common law that degrees of
negligence exist is still recognized in a number of jurisdictions, particularly in regard to the
distinction between ordinary and gross negligence. Furthermore, legislators have not been
dissuaded from using the degrees of negligence concept when it is helpful to achieve a legislative
purpose.” 57A Am. Jur. 2d Negligence § 233, at 274 (1989). [Blacks Law 8th]