Tort is best described as

• A. A private injuries or wrongs that can lead to a civil action
• B. A criminal offense
• C. A federal tax violation
• D. A regulatory offense

Answer: (A)

A tort is a civil wrong or injury committed by one person against another, for which the law allows the injured party to sue and recover damages in a civil action. The focus is on remedying harm to an individual, not punishing the offender on behalf of the state. Crimes are prosecuted by the state and carry penalties like imprisonment or fines paid to the government, not damages paid to the victim. Likewise, federal tax violations and regulatory offenses involve state or federal enforcement actions rather than private civil actions for harm. So a tort best describes a private injury or wrong that can lead to a civil action.