Under common law, what is the occupier's duty of care, and does it extend to risks willingly assumed by visitors?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only for commercial premises
• D. Only for children

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that the occupier must exercise reasonable care to keep the premises safe for visitors and to warn of known dangers. This duty applies even when a visitor is aware of a risk and chooses to encounter it. The law recognizes volenti non fit injuria (a voluntary assumption of risk), so a visitor who knowingly accepts a danger may limit or bar the occupier’s liability. But this doesn’t erase the occupier’s overall obligation to maintain safety and to address hazards; the extent of liability can be reduced where the visitor consciously accepts the risk. That’s why the statement aligns with the true option: the occupier’s duty of care is considered in light of risks willingly assumed by visitors, with the caveat that liability may be affected by the visitor’s voluntary acceptance of risk.