Which defense against negligence involves acknowledging risk before engaging in an activity?

The concept of assumption of risk refers to a legal defense in negligence cases where an individual recognizes and accepts the inherent risks associated with a particular activity prior to engaging in it. By voluntarily deciding to participate, the individual effectively waives their right to hold another party liable for any injuries or damages that may arise from those known risks.

This defense is particularly relevant in situations such as contact sports, extreme sports, or recreational activities where participants are made aware of the potential dangers and choose to proceed nonetheless. It is based on the premise that individuals are responsible for their own decisions and should be aware of the potential for harm when engaging in certain activities.

The other options pertain to different aspects of negligence law. Contributory negligence involves a situation where the injured party may have also contributed to their own injury, leading to a potential reduction or elimination of their compensation. Comparative negligence allows for the apportionment of fault between the parties involved, determining how much each party's negligence contributed to the harm. Punitiveness, on the other hand, relates to penalties imposed in cases involving willful or malicious wrongdoing beyond simple negligence rather than recognizing risk in a voluntary activity.