Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) One Practice Exam

What is a tort?

1. A wrong done by another person's breach of legal duty

2. An intentional act causing harm

3. A criminal offense

4. A form of contract violation

The correct answer is: A wrong done by another person's breach of legal duty

A tort refers to a civil wrong that occurs when an individual or entity breaches a legal duty owed to another, resulting in harm or loss. This definition captures the essence of tort law, which is primarily concerned with providing relief to individuals who have suffered harm due to the actions or negligence of others. The key aspect of a tort is the breach of a legal duty, which can arise from various situations, including negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing. This clarification is essential as it distinguishes a tort from other legal concepts. For example, while an intentional act causing harm might be a tort, not all torts are intentional; many result from unintentional actions, such as negligence. Similarly, a tort is not synonymous with a criminal offense, which involves acts that are considered harmful to society as a whole and can lead to criminal prosecution. Additionally, a tort does not relate to contract violations; those are typically addressed under contract law, focusing on the failure to fulfill agreements rather than breaches of legal duties that cause personal harm.