Legal Dictionary

Tort

A tort is a civil wrong that causes harm or injury to another person, resulting in legal liability for the wrongdoer. It is a branch of civil law that deals with personal injury claims and seeks to compensate the injured party for their losses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of torts?

There are three main types of torts: intentional torts, negligence torts, and strict liability torts. Intentional torts occur when a person intentionally causes harm or injury to another, such as assault or defamation. Negligence torts occur when a person fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another, such as car accidents or medical malpractice. Strict liability torts occur when a person is held liable for harm caused by their actions, regardless of intent or negligence, such as product liability cases.

What is the difference between a tort and a crime?

While both torts and crimes involve wrongful acts, there are key differences between the two. A tort is a civil wrong that primarily seeks to compensate the injured party for their losses, whereas a crime is a violation of criminal law that is prosecuted by the government and seeks to punish the wrongdoer. In a tort case, the injured party brings a civil lawsuit seeking monetary damages, while in a criminal case, the government brings charges against the accused and seeks penalties such as fines or imprisonment.
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The 2023 Legal Trends Report

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