Which term describes the principle where damages are reduced in proportion to the degree of negligence?

The correct term that describes the principle where damages are reduced in proportion to the degree of negligence is "comparative." This legal concept allows for a more equitable distribution of damages when multiple parties share some level of fault in an incident. Under comparative negligence, the court assesses the percentage of fault attributed to each party involved in the situation and adjusts the monetary award accordingly. For example, if one party is found to be 70% at fault for an accident, their compensation could be reduced by that percentage. This principle aims to ensure that individuals are only held responsible for the harm they have contributed to, promoting fairness in settlements and judgments.

The other terms do not fit this definition. Contributory negligence refers to a rule that completely bars a plaintiff from recovering damages if they are found to be even slightly at fault. Vicarious liability involves holding one party responsible for the actions of another, typically in employer-employee relationships, rather than assessing comparative fault. Strict liability pertains to holding a party responsible for damages without needing to prove negligence or fault, usually in cases involving inherently dangerous activities or defective products.