What is a tort?

A tort is defined as a legally recognized private injury or wrong that one party commits against another, which may lead to civil legal liability. This can encompass a wide range of actions that cause harm or loss to another individual, resulting in the injured party having the right to seek compensation through the civil court system. Tort law primarily focuses on providing relief to the injured party and deterring others from committing such injuries.

In the context of this question, while the other options mention legal actions, they primarily pertain to criminal law or specific legal outcomes based on criminal behavior, which are distinct from tort law. Tort law is concerned with private wrongs rather than public offenses or criminal charges, emphasizing the unwarranted acts that negatively affect another person. Thus, identifying a tort as a private injury or wrong accurately captures its nature and legal basis.