What is a tort?

A tort is defined as a civil wrong committed against an individual that causes harm or loss, leading to legal liability for the person who commits the tortious act. Tort law is primarily concerned with providing relief to individuals harmed by the unreasonable actions of others and includes claims for negligence, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, among others.

Understanding torts is essential because they differ from criminal offenses, which involve actions contrary to public law that are prosecuted by the state, and ethical dilemmas, which pertain more to moral principles rather than legal liabilities. Legal agreements do not constitute torts as they pertain to contracts and mutual obligations, not the wrongful acts causing harm to individuals. Hence, defining a tort as a civil wrong highlights its nature in the context of personal injury and civil litigation.