2. Section 3.1
Definition of a Tort

3. Section 3.1 Definition of a Tort
A tort is a private wrong committed by one person against another person or another person’s property.

4. Section 3.1 Definition of a Tort
A person who commits a tort is called a tortfeasor.
In a lawsuit, the tortfeasor is the defendant and the victim is the plaintiff.

5. Section 3.1 Definition of a Tort
An intentional tort is an act that is intended to hurt, embarrass, or scare another person, or to damage another person’s property.

6. Section 3.1 Definition of a Tort
The most common intentional torts against individuals are:
assault and battery
defamation
intentional infliction of emotional distress
false imprisonment
invasion of privacy

7. Section 3.1 Definition of a Tort
An assault occurs when an individual threatens to harm an innocent person using words, gestures, or both.

8. Section 3.1 Definition of a Tort
Battery occurs when someone deliberately touches another person or that person’s clothing against his or her wishes.

9. Section 3.1 Definition of a Tort
False imprisonment occurs when one person unlawfully restrains another from moving freely. It may involve physical restraint or merely a show of force.

10. Section 3.1 Definition of a Tort
Defamation occurs when one person lies about another in a way that damages his or her reputation.
There are two types of defamation: libel, which is written, and slander, which is oral.

11. Section 3.1 Definition of a Tort
Citizens have the right to live without others intruding on their personal life or private records.
Invasion of privacy occurs when someone violates this right.

12. Section 3.1 Definition of a Tort
Intentional infliction of emotional distress occurs when one person purposely causes another person mental anguish.