Which statement correctly distinguishes inherent vice from latent defects?

Which statement correctly distinguishes inherent vice from latent defects?

• A. They are the same.
• B. Inherent vice refers to intrinsic quality of goods causing damage; latent defect refers to hidden flaws not caused by carrier fault.
• C. Inherent vice refers to latent hidden flaws; latent defect refers to intrinsic quality.
• D. Inherent vice only relates to hull damage; latent defect only relates to cargo.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is distinguishing damage that arises from the goods themselves versus a hidden flaw in the goods or packing that existed before the carrier’s involvement. Inherent vice describes the intrinsic quality of the goods that causes damage or deterioration on their own, regardless of how the goods are handled or transported. Latent defects are hidden flaws that exist prior to loading and are not caused by the carrier’s fault or negligence; they’re not visible or discoverable by reasonable inspection. Therefore, the statement that inherent vice refers to the goods’ intrinsic quality causing damage while latent defects are hidden flaws not caused by the carrier captures the correct distinction. The other options either equate the two concepts, reverse their meanings, or inappropriately limit them to hull versus cargo.

The main idea is distinguishing damage that arises from the goods themselves versus a hidden flaw in the goods or packing that existed before the carrier’s involvement. Inherent vice describes the intrinsic quality of the goods that causes damage or deterioration on their own, regardless of how the goods are handled or transported. Latent defects are hidden flaws that exist prior to loading and are not caused by the carrier’s fault or negligence; they’re not visible or discoverable by reasonable inspection. Therefore, the statement that inherent vice refers to the goods’ intrinsic quality causing damage while latent defects are hidden flaws not caused by the carrier captures the correct distinction. The other options either equate the two concepts, reverse their meanings, or inappropriately limit them to hull versus cargo.