What is the primary characteristic of an invitee?

The primary characteristic of an invitee is that they are invited onto the property, often for public or business purposes. This designation comes from the legal context surrounding premises liability, where property owners have different duties of care based on the status of individuals on their property. An invitee is someone who has permission to be on the property, and this invitation can result from a business transaction or public interest. Therefore, property owners owe a higher duty of care to invitees, which includes taking reasonable steps to ensure the premises are safe and free of hazards.

The option regarding voluntary entry is misleading because, while invitees may enter voluntarily, the key aspect of their status is the invitation. The description that they often trespass without permission is more aligned with the characteristics of a trespasser, who lacks permission to be on the property. Lastly, the claim that invitees are aware of all dangers does not accurately reflect their status, as invitees may not be informed of certain dangers, and it is the property owner's responsibility to address these hazards. Understanding the concept of an invitee in this context emphasizes the greater duty of care property owners must provide to ensure safety for those they invite onto their premises.