What defines a tort in legal terms?

A tort is defined as a wrongful act that causes harm or loss to another person, leading to civil liability. In legal terms, it refers to a situation where an individual's actions or omissions result in injury or damage to another individual, and the affected party may seek compensation through a civil lawsuit. This concept is distinct from criminal law, which deals with offenses against the state and can result in imprisonment or fines.

Torts encompass a broad range of actions, including negligence, defamation, trespass, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, among others. The essential element of a tort is that it causes harm or injury, establishing a basis for the injured party to claim damages. As such, when evaluating potential legal liabilities, understanding torts is crucial for determining accountability in civil disputes.

This definition sets torts apart from breaches of contract, which involve failing to fulfill a contractual obligation rather than a wrongful act affecting another's rights. While negligence is a specific type of tort characterized by the failure to exercise reasonable care, torts as a whole encompass a wider array of wrongful acts, making the definition provided comprehensive and accurate.