Which principle applies when damages are assessed in tort law?

The principle of foreseeability is crucial in tort law when assessing damages because it determines the extent to which a defendant can be held liable for the consequences of their actions. In order to claim damages, a plaintiff must demonstrate that the harm was a foreseeable result of the defendant's conduct. This means that the defendant could have reasonably anticipated that their actions would lead to the injury or damage suffered by the plaintiff.

Foreseeability ensures that defendants are only liable for consequences that are directly linked to their actions, rather than for any and all outcomes that might arise. This principle helps establish a fair boundary for liability, allowing courts to balance the interests of both plaintiffs and defendants. By focusing on what could have been anticipated at the time of the act, it helps to prevent an overwhelming burden of liability on defendants for outcomes that were too remote or unpredictable.

The other principles, while relevant in other contexts, do not capture the specific requirement in tort law for assessing damages as effectively as foreseeability does. For example, restitution focuses on restoring the injured party to their original position, which may or may not directly relate to the foreseeability of harm. Causation, while important to establish a link between the act and the damage, does not inherently address whether the damage was