This document discusses the key elements of the tort of negligence, which is the most important area of modern tort law. The tort of negligence involves a breach of duty by the defendant that causes foreseeable harm to the plaintiff. It outlines the basic elements needed to establish a negligence claim, including a legal duty of care, breach of that duty, and damages. The document also examines how the neighborhood test for establishing a duty of care evolved over time, from the Home Office v Dorset Yacht Co case to the two-stage test established in Anns v Merton London Borough Council case. It notes that the Anns approach came under criticism from judges and academics.