What is a tort in legal terms?

A tort in legal terms refers to a civil wrong that causes harm or loss to another individual, where the injured party may seek compensation or remedy through the civil court system. This concept is foundational in tort law, which addresses situations where an individual's actions result in harm to others, thereby requiring that the responsible party makes reparations.

This definition encompasses various types of wrongful acts, including negligence, intentional infliction of harm, and strict liability actions. For instance, if someone is injured due to another person's negligence, such as a car accident caused by distracted driving, the injured party can file a tort claim to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

In contrast, the other options describe different legal concepts that do not fit the definition of a tort. A legal agreement between parties refers to a contract, which is a binding arrangement that involves mutual obligations. A type of criminal offense pertains to actions that are prosecuted by the state and involve penalties such as imprisonment or fines, which falls under criminal law rather than civil law. A defense against criminal charges involves strategies used in criminal trials to challenge the prosecution's case, which also does not pertain to torts. Thus, recognizing that a tort specifically relates to civil wrongs clarifies its