What is meant by 'tort law'?

Tort law refers to a specific area of law that deals with civil wrongs and the damage caused as a result of those wrongs. Unlike criminal law, which involves offenses against the state and is designed to punish wrongdoers for actions deemed harmful to society, tort law focuses on disputes between individuals or entities where one party's actions cause harm or loss to another.

The primary aim of tort law is to provide a remedy to the injured party, often through compensation for damages. This can involve various types of claims, such as negligence, defamation, and intentional torts, where the injured party seeks to receive restitution for the harm they have suffered. The principles of tort law serve to deter wrongful conduct and promote accountability in society by ensuring that those who cause injury to others may be held liable.

This understanding of tort law highlights its focus on civil wrongs, distinguishing it clearly from aspects of contract law, business regulations, and criminal legislation, which are concerned with entirely different issues.