Which statement best describes “tort law”?

Tort law is fundamentally concerned with civil wrongs, providing a framework for individuals who have suffered harm due to the actions or negligence of others to seek compensation. This area of law encompasses a wide range of issues, including personal injury, defamation, and emotional distress. The primary purpose of tort law is to provide relief to the injured parties and deter others from committing similar harms.

In this context, the essence of tort law lies in the ability to claim damages for losses incurred due to the wrongful conduct of another party, which can arise from intentional acts, negligence, or strict liability situations. For example, if someone is injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, tort law allows the injured party to pursue a claim for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The other options describe different areas of law: the first pertains to criminal law, which addresses crimes and their punishments; the second focuses on property law, which involves ownership and property disputes; and the fourth relates to procedural law, outlining how legal processes should be conducted in court. These areas do not encompass the objective of tort law, which specifically seeks to address and remedy civil wrongs.