MacPhearson v. Buick Motor Co. is notable for establishing which product liability principle?

MacPhearson v. Buick Motor Co. is particularly significant for establishing the principle of strict liability in product liability cases. In this landmark case, the court determined that manufacturers could be held liable for defective products that cause harm, even in the absence of any negligence on their part. This was a pivotal shift in legal standards, moving away from the traditional negligence standard that required proof of a manufacturer's failure to act reasonably.

In the MacPhearson case, the plaintiff was injured due to a defect in the automobile, which had been sold through a dealer. The court ruled that Buick Motor Co. was responsible because the product was intended for use by consumers, and the harm resulted from a defect that could have been reasonably anticipated. This ruling laid the groundwork for the strict liability standard, where manufacturers are held liable for injuries caused by defective products, emphasizing the responsibility manufacturers have to ensure their products are safe for consumers.

The other theories mentioned, such as negligence, express warranty, and implied warranty, focus on different aspects of liability. Negligence requires proof of failure to exercise reasonable care, while express and implied warranties deal with promises made about a product's safety and performance. However, strict liability is unique in that it does not require proof of