What is a tort?

A tort is fundamentally a civil action that arises when one party commits a wrongful act that causes injury or harm to another party. This legal concept exists in civil law, distinguishing it from criminal law, which pertains to offenses against the state. Torts can encompass a wide variety of situations, including negligence, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, among others. The key aspect is that a tort results in a legal obligation that one party has to compensate another for damages caused by their actions or omissions. Understanding torts is essential for acknowledging how individuals can seek redress when they have been wronged in a non-criminal context.

The other options refer to different legal concepts; for example, a criminal offense involves violations of laws that govern public wrongs, a constitutional claim pertains to violations of rights outlined in a constitution, and a breach of contract deals specifically with violating the terms of a contractual agreement. Each of these areas has its distinct principles and remedies that differ from the civil liabilities imposed by tort law.