California POST Training Practice Test

What is a civil wrong commonly referred to as?

1. A crime

2. A tort

3. A misdemeanor

4. A liability

The correct answer is: A tort

A civil wrong is commonly referred to as a tort. In the legal context, a tort is an action or inaction that causes harm or loss to another individual, leading to legal liability. Torts are typically grounded in civil law rather than criminal law, which is why distinguishing between them is crucial. For instance, if someone engages in negligent behavior that results in injury to another person, the injured party can seek compensation for their damages through a tort claim. This illustrates the role of torts in providing a mechanism for individuals to obtain remedies for wrongs committed against them outside of the criminal justice system. Other terms like 'a crime' refer to actions that violate criminal laws and are pursued by the state, while 'a misdemeanor' describes a specific category of crime that is less severe than a felony. 'Liability' is a concept that refers to the state of being legally responsible for something, which can arise in the context of a tort but does not define the category of civil wrongs themselves. Understanding the definition of a tort and its implications is essential for grasping how civil law operates in relation to individual rights and remedies.