In law, what does the term "tort" refer to?

The term "tort" specifically refers to a civil wrong that results in harm or loss to another individual, thereby giving rise to a legal liability. This concept is fundamental in tort law, which deals with situations where one party's actions cause injury or damage to another. In essence, a tort can encompass various wrongful acts, including negligence, defamation, and trespass, as long as these actions lead to harm or injury for which the victim can seek damages.

Understanding torts is crucial as they are integral to how legal systems handle disputes where no criminal charges are involved, allowing individuals to seek compensation for their losses. This distinguishes torts from other legal concepts, such as criminal conduct, which involves offenses against society, and breaches of contract, which pertain to violations of agreements between parties rather than wrongful acts leading to personal harm.