Donoghue v Stevenson is a leading case on the tort of negligence. This case set a precedent that established the principles of duty of care and foreseeability, which are fundamental in determining negligence in tort law.

- Background:
In 1928, Mrs. Donoghue visited a café in Paisley, Scotland, with a friend. Her friend ordered a ginger beer in a dark bottle, which was served to Mrs. Donoghue. After consuming some of the drink, she poured the remaining contents into a glass and discovered the decomposed remains of a snail in it. As a result, she suffered from shock and gastroenteritis.

- The Decision:
Mrs. Donoghue sued the manufacturer of the ginger beer, Mr. Stevenson, claiming that he owed her a duty of care to ensure that the product was safe for consumption. The case eventually reached the House of Lords, which held that Mr. Stevenson did owe a duty of care to Mrs. Donoghue and that he was negligent in the production and sale of the ginger beer.

- The Principles Established:
The House of Lords decision in Donoghue v Stevenson established several key principles in the tort of negligence:

1. Duty of Care: The case clarified that a duty of care can exist between parties even in the absence of a contractual relationship. It established the principle that individuals have a duty to take reasonable care to avoid acts or omissions that could reasonably be foreseen to cause harm to others.

2. Foreseeability: The case emphasized the importance of foreseeability in establishing a duty of care. It held that a person owes a duty of care to others if it is reasonably foreseeable that their actions or omissions could cause harm.

3. Proximity: The case introduced the concept of legal proximity, which refers to the relationship between the parties involved. It stated that a duty of care can exist when there is a close and direct relationship between the parties, such as a manufacturer and a consumer.

4. Manufacturer's Liability: Donoghue v Stevenson also expanded the concept of negligence to include liability for manufacturers. It established that manufacturers have a duty to produce goods that are safe for consumers and that they can be held liable for any harm caused by their products.

- Significance:
Donoghue v Stevenson has had a profound impact on the development of negligence law and has been widely cited and followed in subsequent cases. It established the modern tort of negligence and provided a framework for determining liability in cases involving negligence. The principles established in this case continue to be applied in courts around the world today.