What is a tort?

A tort is defined as a civil wrong committed by one individual against another, resulting in harm or loss that can be addressed through civil litigation. The focal point of tort law is to provide a remedy to the injured party, typically in the form of monetary compensation, and to discourage similar wrongful acts in the future.

Understanding torts illustrates their role within the larger legal framework, specifically differentiating them from criminal acts, which involve offenses against the state and can result in criminal penalties such as imprisonment. Additionally, torts do not encompass legal defenses used in court, which pertain to arguments made to counter claims. This distinction highlights the fundamental nature of torts as a mechanism for resolving disputes between private parties rather than a punishment enforced by the state.