In Scottish law, what term is equivalent to tort?

In Scottish law, the term that is equivalent to tort is "delict." A delict refers to a wrongful act or omission that leads to harm or loss and for which a legal remedy can be sought. This concept aligns closely with the English common law notion of tort, which also encompasses civil wrongs that cause harm to individuals or entities.

The terminology is important as it reflects the distinct legal traditions in Scotland, which operates under a mixed legal system heavily influenced by both civil law and common law principles. In this context, delict involves various forms of wrongful conduct, such as negligence, similar to tort law in other jurisdictions.

Other terms like liability refer to the accountability or responsibility for an action or inaction, which does not directly correspond to the concept of a tort or delict itself. Civil wrong simply describes the nature of an act that causes harm but does not encompass the legal framework surrounding claims for damages. Lastly, a contract refers to a legally binding agreement between parties and is a separate area of law distinct from torts or delicts.