In legal terms, what is a tort?

In legal terminology, a tort is defined as a civil wrong that results in harm or damage to another individual. This encompasses a wide range of wrongful acts that can cause injury, loss, or suffering to someone, thereby allowing the injured party to seek compensation or remedy through the judicial system. The essence of a tort lies in the violation of rights or wrongful conduct that is not necessarily criminal in nature but leads to a civil cause of action.

The concept of tort law includes various categories, such as negligence, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, each addressing different kinds of wrongful actions. Importantly, tort law serves to provide victims with a means of obtaining relief and accountability from those who have wronged them, distinct from criminal law, which deals with offenses against the state. Understanding torts is essential for navigating civil law, as these principles underpin many personal injury and liability cases in court.