What is the host's best defense against negligence for Lynn's injury during the barbeque?

The best defense for the host against negligence in Lynn's injury during the barbeque is assumption of risk. This legal doctrine applies when a person knowingly and voluntarily takes on a risk associated with a particular activity. If Lynn was aware of the potential hazards involved in the barbeque, such as hot grills, sharp utensils, or uneven ground, and still chose to participate, she may be considered to have assumed the risk of injury. This means that she accepted the potential dangers associated with the event, and thus the host might not be held liable for her injuries.

In contrast, contributory negligence and comparative negligence focus on the degree of fault between the parties involved in the accident, potentially diminishing the host's liability but not completely releasing them from responsibility. Strict liability applies to situations where liability is imposed regardless of negligence or fault, typically related to inherently dangerous activities or defective products. While those concepts have their own relevance in negligence law, they do not provide as strong a defense in this situation as assumption of risk does, given the context of voluntary participation in a recreational event.