What principle guides the duty owed to a licensee?

The principle that guides the duty owed to a licensee is the duty to warn of known hazards. In the context of premises liability law, a licensee is someone who is on the property for their own purposes, and does not typically have a business purpose there. Property owners have a responsibility to inform licensees about any known dangers on the property that could cause harm. This means that if the property owner is aware of any hazardous conditions, they must warn the licensee of these risks to prevent accidents or injuries.

This principle is crucial because it balances the property owner's rights with the safety of those who enter their property. The obligation to warn ensures that licensees can make informed decisions about their safety while on the property. In contrast, the other options, such as the highest standard of care or basic safety protocols, do not accurately reflect the legal obligations owed to a licensee, nor do they define the specific responsibilities that govern such situations. The notion that no duty is required does not align with the established principles of property law regarding licensees, as property owners still have a minimal duty to prevent harm.