In legal terms, what is a tort?

A tort is defined as a private or civil wrong that results in damage or harm to an individual, and for which the injured party may seek legal remedy through a lawsuit. Tort law is a fundamental aspect of civil law and covers various wrongful acts, such as negligence, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The key characteristic of a tort is that it is not a breach of contract nor a criminal act; rather, it addresses civil grievances where an individual seeks compensation for harm caused by another's actions. This understanding of torts is crucial in distinguishing them from other legal concepts, highlighting their focus on compensating victims rather than punishing offenders.