Duty to Rescue
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
In certain jurisdictions, a person has a legal duty to rescue a stranger in danger if the rescue is not burdensome; whereas in common law systems, there is generally no such duty (unless a special relationship exists).
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
Defining the boundary between morality and law. In corporate social responsibility (CSR), consider: are we merely 'doing no harm' (not breaking the law), or do we have a duty to 'actively rescue'? This determines the ethical height of the brand.
Anchor fast decisions
In law and ethics, specific relationships (such as parent-child, common carrier) or prior conduct create a duty to rescue; whether a mere bystander has such a duty varies by jurisdiction. It distinguishes between 'ought' and 'may'.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/1Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duty_to_rescueverified
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