Which legal doctrine states that contractors are not liable for defects if they follow the owner's plans?

The Spearin Doctrine is the correct choice as it establishes a legal principle that protects contractors from liability for defects that arise from plans or specifications provided by the project owner. Under this doctrine, if a contractor follows the owner's designs and those designs are defective, the contractor cannot be held responsible for the resulting issues. This doctrine emphasizes the concept of the owner’s responsibility for the adequacy of the plans they provide.

This legal framework is crucial in construction management as it delineates the responsibilities between an owner and contractor, encouraging transparency and clarity in project execution.

In contrast, the other options do not pertain specifically to this aspect of liability in the context of following plans. An indemnity clause, for example, relates to shifting liability between parties but does not address the particular situation of a contractor executing work based on owner-provided plans. Negligence doctrine involves liability for failure to act with reasonable care, which would apply differently than the clear provisions of the Spearin Doctrine. The Contractor Liability Doctrine, while sounding relevant, is not an established legal doctrine and does not specifically capture the nuances of liability concerning adherence to owner-supplied plans.