What does "tort" refer to in civil law?

In civil law, a "tort" refers to a civil wrong that causes harm or loss to another person. This legal concept is crucial because it allows individuals to seek compensation when they have been injured or wronged by others' actions, whether intentionally or negligently. Tort law encompasses various types of offenses, including personal injury, defamation, trespass, and more. The essence of instituting a tort claim is to restore the injured party to their original position, at least financially, as much as possible.

Understanding tort law is fundamental in civil practice because it not only highlights the responsibilities individuals and entities have towards one another but also establishes the legal framework for seeking redress when those responsibilities are violated. In contrast to a type of contract, which involves agreements between parties, tort law focuses on the obligations imposed by law to protect individuals from harm due to the actions of others. Legal documents involved in lawsuits are part of the procedural aspects of the legal system but do not define what a tort is. Property damage, while it can be a result of a tort (such as in negligence cases), is not the definition of a tort itself.