Who is considered a tortfeasor?

A tortfeasor is defined as a person who commits a tort, which is a wrongful act that results in harm or loss to another party. This concept is fundamental to tort law, which deals with civil wrongs and the compensation for damages caused by such wrongs. When someone engages in behavior that violates a duty owed to another and causes injury or damage, they are referred to as a tortfeasor.

In contrast, the other options describe individuals involved in the legal process surrounding a tort case but do not fit the definition of a tortfeasor. Witnesses provide testimony about the events that have occurred, lawyers represent clients and argue cases, while judges make rulings and decisions based on the law and evidence presented in court. These roles are crucial in the judicial system but do not involve the act of committing a tort themselves. Thus, the correct identification of a tortfeasor aligns specifically with the act of causing harm through wrongful conduct.