What is the legal definition of a tort?

A tort is legally defined as a civil wrong that results in harm or loss to an individual, which allows the injured party to seek compensation through civil litigation. This definition emphasizes that torts can arise from various actions, including negligence, defamation, and intentional harm, resulting in liability for the party who committed the act. The objective of tort law is to provide relief to those who have been harmed, ensuring that they can recover damages for their losses. Understanding this concept is crucial in occupational health and safety contexts, where workplace incidents may lead to tortious claims if an individual suffers harm due to unsafe practices or negligence.

The other choices do not encapsulate this legal definition. An agreement between two parties refers to contract law, while a criminal act pertains to offenses against the state, which falls under criminal law. A set of legal obligations may refer to various legal concepts but does not specifically articulate the nature of a tort.