What is necessary to establish liability in a case?

To establish liability in a case, it is essential to demonstrate that there was a duty to act. This principle means that the individual or entity in question had a legal obligation to adhere to a standard of care in a specific situation. For instance, a peace officer has a duty to protect the public and act within the bounds of the law. If it can be shown that this duty was breached, leading to harm or damage, liability can often be established.

While the perception of actions by witnesses, results from field investigations, and direct orders from superiors are relevant to various aspects of legal proceedings, they do not inherently establish liability on their own. Witness perceptions may support or contradict claims, investigation results may provide context or details about the incident, and orders from superiors may affect the context in which actions were taken. However, the foundational element of establishing liability is the breach of a duty to act, which directly connects to the legal responsibilities individuals have in their roles.