Which statement defines an intentional tort?

Which statement defines an intentional tort?

• A. A wrong caused by negligence
• B. A wrong perpetrated by one who INTENDS to do that which the law declares wrong
• C. A breach of contract
• D. A criminal act requiring a prosecutor

Answer: (B)

Distinguishing types of civil wrongs is the main idea here. An intentional tort is a civil wrong committed with the intent to perform the act that the law declares wrong or with knowledge that harm is substantially certain to result. That is why the statement describing a wrong perpetrated by someone who intends to do what the law forbids best defines an intentional tort. The other options don’t fit because: a wrong caused by negligence involves harm from failing to exercise reasonable care, not intentional activity; a breach of contract is a contract-law issue, not a tort; and a criminal act requiring a prosecutor belongs to criminal law, not a civil tort action, though some acts can touch both areas.

Distinguishing types of civil wrongs is the main idea here. An intentional tort is a civil wrong committed with the intent to perform the act that the law declares wrong or with knowledge that harm is substantially certain to result. That is why the statement describing a wrong perpetrated by someone who intends to do what the law forbids best defines an intentional tort.

The other options don’t fit because: a wrong caused by negligence involves harm from failing to exercise reasonable care, not intentional activity; a breach of contract is a contract-law issue, not a tort; and a criminal act requiring a prosecutor belongs to criminal law, not a civil tort action, though some acts can touch both areas.