In the legal context, what is a "tort"?

A tort is defined as a civil wrong that occurs when one party's actions or negligence cause harm or injury to another party. This area of law allows individuals to seek compensation for damages suffered due to the wrongful acts of others, whether intentional or unintentional. Tort law encompasses various categories such as assault, battery, negligence, defamation, and more.

Understanding torts is essential because they serve the purpose of providing relief to the injured parties and discouraging harmful behavior by imposing liability on the wrongdoers. This civil framework differs from criminal law, which is concerned with offenses against the state and community rather than just individual harms.

By recognizing the definition and purpose of torts, individuals and legal practitioners can navigate cases that involve personal injuries or other civil grievances effectively.