A tort is a civil wrong, distinct from a breach of contract, where one person's actions cause harm or loss to another, leading to legal liability. Unlike criminal law, which focuses on punishing offenses against the state, tort law primarily aims to compensate the injured party, known as the plaintiff, through monetary damages. Some wrongful acts, such as assault, can lead to both criminal prosecution and a civil tort lawsuit, illustrating the different objectives of these legal systems.

Tort law's origins vary significantly by jurisdiction; it largely derives from Roman law principles in civil law systems, where it's often referred to as "delict," but stems from customary English law in common law jurisdictions. The individual who commits such a tortious act is termed a tortfeasor, and the main remedy is typically financial compensation, though courts may also grant injunctions to prevent future harm. These fundamental obligations are imposed regardless of any existing contracts between parties.