A civil wrong or injury caused by one person to another, for which the injured party may seek compensation through a lawsuit. Torts involve breach of duty owed to individuals, distinct from crimes or contract violations.
From Latin 'tortus,' meaning 'twisted' or 'crooked,' related to 'torquere' (to twist). The legal meaning developed in medieval times to describe 'twisted' or wrongful acts that caused harm to others outside of contractual relationships.
A tort is literally a 'twisted' act - something that twists away from proper behavior and harms someone! The beauty is that you don't need a contract with someone to sue them for a tort; if they act wrongfully and hurt you, that's enough.
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