In legal terms, what does 'Tort' primarily refer to?

The term 'Tort' primarily refers to a civil wrongdoing that causes harm or loss to another person, leading to legal liability. In the context of law, a tort is a breach of a duty imposed by law, which does not arise from a contract. This concept encompasses a wide range of actions, including negligence, defamation, and trespass, among others. The focus is on compensating the injured party for the harm suffered, rather than punishing the wrongdoer as in criminal law.

Other options represent different legal concepts: a criminal offense pertains to actions that violate criminal law and are punishable by the state; a contract violation involves a failure to fulfill terms outlined in a contract; and a property dispute typically deals with disagreements related to ownership or use of property. Each of these areas falls outside the specific definition of a tort, highlighting the unique nature of tort law in addressing civil wrongs.