Tort — Introduction to the Law of Tort + 7 more topics

Tort law is a vast area of civil law. Unlike contract law, where duties arise from agreements, tort duties are imposed by law. You don't need a pre-existing relationship for a tort to occur.

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When someone intentionally interferes with another's person, specific torts apply. Unlike negligence, these torts generally don't require proof of actual damage (except for Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress, or IIED). The "intent" here doesn't mean the person meant to cause harm, but rather that they intended the act itself.

When we talk about property torts, we're mainly looking at two types of property: land (real property) and goods (personal property). Each has specific torts designed to protect it.

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Negligence is a tort (a civil wrong) that involves causing harm to another person due to a failure to exercise reasonable care. To prove negligence, you must establish three main elements:

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Tortious liability arises when one person (the "tortfeasor") breaches a duty owed to another, causing them damage. It’s distinct from contract law, which deals with broken promises, and criminal law, which concerns offenses against the state. The goal of tort law is usually to compensate the victim.

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When you've suffered a tort, you're looking for a way to address the harm. The main remedies are damages (money) and injunctions (court orders to act or stop acting).

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While negligence and trespass cover a vast range of harms, tort law also includes various "miscellaneous" torts designed for more specific situations. These often deal with intangible harms or actions that don't involve direct physical interference. Additionally, tort law is constantly evolving, with new torts emerging to address modern problems, particularly in areas like privacy and technology.