Which statement best describes a negative duty?

Which statement best describes a negative duty?

• A. It requires taking positive action to prevent harm.
• B. It requires remaining silent in all circumstances.
• C. It requires refraining from wrongful acts.
• D. It requires maximizing overall good.

Answer: (C)

Negative duties are obligations to refrain from certain actions rather than to perform actions. They set boundaries on behavior. The statement that best describes a negative duty is refraining from wrongful acts, because it captures the idea of a duty not to harm or violate others. This contrasts with duties to act, which would require taking steps to prevent harm, and with the idea of maximizing overall good, which comes from utilitarian thinking rather than from the concept of a negative duty. In practice, negative duties in law enforcement and CSI include not contaminating a crime scene, not altering or concealing evidence, and not lying under oath.

Negative duties are obligations to refrain from certain actions rather than to perform actions. They set boundaries on behavior. The statement that best describes a negative duty is refraining from wrongful acts, because it captures the idea of a duty not to harm or violate others. This contrasts with duties to act, which would require taking steps to prevent harm, and with the idea of maximizing overall good, which comes from utilitarian thinking rather than from the concept of a negative duty. In practice, negative duties in law enforcement and CSI include not contaminating a crime scene, not altering or concealing evidence, and not lying under oath.