What is classified as a tort?

A tort is defined as a civil wrong that causes harm or loss to another party, and it encompasses both intentional and unintentional actions. This means that any wrongful act, whether it is done deliberately — such as assault or defamation — or through negligence — such as a car accident caused by failing to follow traffic rules — qualifies as a tort.

Option B accurately encompasses the broad scope of tort law by including both categories of wrongdoing. It recognizes that torts can occur from actions taken without intent to harm as well as those taken with the intent to do so. This is a fundamental concept in tort law, which aims to provide remedies to individuals who have suffered damages as a result of someone else’s wrongful conduct.

In contrast, the other options are limited in their definitions. A contract breach pertains specifically to violations of obligations arising from contracts and does not fall under tort law. Saying that only intentional acts that cause harm qualify as torts excludes a significant area of tort law, such as negligence claims. Lastly, an act against public law typically deals with criminal offenses rather than civil wrongs, further differentiating it from the realm of torts. Therefore, the comprehensive nature of option B makes it the correct choice in defining what constitutes a tort.