Which of the following best defines tort?

• A. A Civil Action
• B. A Crime Against The State
• C. A Contract Dispute
• D. A Nuisance

Answer: (A)

A tort is a civil wrong committed by one person against another or that person’s property, for which the harmed party may sue in civil court to obtain damages or other remedies. This distinguishes tort law from criminal law, where the state prosecutes offenses and punishment is imposed. A contract dispute involves breaches of agreement under contract law, not tort law, though some actions may touch both areas. A nuisance is a specific type of civil wrong related to interference with use or enjoyment of land, but it’s just a category of tort, not the general definition. So the concept that best defines tort is a civil wrong that gives rise to a civil action for damages.