What is a "tort" in legal terminology?

A "tort" refers to a wrongful act that causes harm or injury to another person, which results in civil legal liability. This concept is central to tort law, an area of law that deals with civil wrongs and compensation for damages. When someone commits a tort, the injured party may seek compensation through a civil lawsuit.

Torts can take many forms, such as negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, or defamation, among others. The key aspect that makes something a tort is that it gives rise to a legal claim for damages, which is intended to restore the injured party to their original position, as much as possible, before the wrong occurred.

The other choices relate to different aspects of law. A formal accusation in criminal law describes a different legal framework focused on crimes rather than civil wrongs. An agreement between two parties pertains to contract law, which involves the binding promises made amongst parties. A legal right granted by the state typically refers to permissions or entitlements, rather than the wrongful act underlying torts. Thus, the definition of a tort as a wrongful act that leads to civil liability accurately captures its essence in legal terminology.