What defines a tort in the context of law?

A tort is defined as a civil wrong that causes loss or harm to another party, which can result in legal liability. This concept is fundamental in tort law, where individuals are held accountable for the harm they cause, whether intentional or negligent. The focus of tort law is on providing relief to the injured party and deterring similar harms in the future.

In contrast, a precautionary measure refers to actions taken to prevent harm rather than an act that results in harm, which does not adequately capture the essence of a tort. A legal agreement pertains to contracts, involving mutual consent between parties to fulfill specific terms, rather than wrongful acts leading to damages. A contractual dispute arises from disagreements over the terms of a contract, focusing on obligations and rights established by that contract, rather than the broader concept of civil wrongdoing inherent in torts.

Thus, stating that a tort is a civil wrong causing loss or harm effectively summarizes its core definition and reflects the legal principles involved in tort liability.