OSH Security Practice Test

What is a tort?

1. Bad evidence in a criminal proceeding

2. Non-contractual civil wrong

3. Hair and fiber evidence

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Non-contractual civil wrong

The correct identification of a tort as a non-contractual civil wrong reflects a fundamental principle in law. A tort occurs when an individual suffers harm or loss due to another person's actions, which are not based on a contractual agreement. This can include a wide range of situations, such as negligence, defamation, or trespass, where the injured party may seek compensation through civil litigation. Understanding a tort's definition is crucial because it distinguishes these civil wrongs from criminal activities, which are prosecuted by the state and can result in punishment like fines or imprisonment. Therefore, recognizing torts is essential for determining liability and the legal recourse available to injured parties. The other options do not accurately capture the definition or nature of a tort; for instance, the term "bad evidence in a criminal proceeding" refers to admissibility within a specific legal context, which is not related to tort law. Similarly, hair and fiber evidence are specific types of forensic evidence used primarily in criminal cases, and they do not pertain to civil wrongs or tort law.