Intro to Paralegal Studies Practice

What is defined as a private wrong for which the law provides a remedy?

1. Criminal Offense

2. Contractual Breach

3. Tort

4. Negligence

The correct answer is: Tort

A tort is indeed defined as a private wrong for which the law provides a remedy. In legal terms, a tort occurs when someone's actions cause harm or loss to another individual, resulting in a civil legal liability. This encompasses a broad array of situations, ranging from personal injury claims to defamation. The essence of tort law is to provide relief to the injured party and to deter others from committing similar acts. When a tort is established, the injured party typically seeks compensatory damages to cover losses such as medical expenses, property damage, and emotional distress. Understanding the context of a tort as a private wrong is crucial, as it distinguishes torts from other legal concepts like criminal offenses, which are considered public wrongs against society as a whole. While negligence may fall under the umbrella of torts, it refers specifically to a failure to exercise reasonable care, leading to harm. Contractual breaches, on the other hand, specifically involve violations of agreements between parties and do not fall under tort law. This is why tort is the most appropriate choice in defining a private wrong with a legal remedy.