Glossary
Tort
A civil wrong (other than breach of contract) that causes harm to another person. The injured party can sue for damages. Common torts include negligence, defamation, fraud, trespass, and assault.
Tort law is the corner of civil law that handles "you hurt me" claims: both physically and economically. Car accidents, slip-and-falls, medical malpractice, defective products, defamation, and dog bites are all tort cases.
Torts are different from crimes (where the government prosecutes) and from contract claims (where the dispute is about a deal that was made). Torts are about general duties everyone has to avoid harming others, regardless of any prior agreement.