A 'tort' is best defined as?

The term 'tort' refers specifically to a civil wrong that results in harm or loss to another party. This concept is central to tort law, which addresses situations where one party's actions or negligence leads to injury or damage to another's person, property, or rights. In contrast to criminal offenses, which are prosecuted by the state and carry penalties like imprisonment, torts are pursued in civil court, typically resulting in damages awarded to the victim.

The definition encompasses various types of civil wrongs, including negligence, defamation, and trespass, each of which can lead to compensatory or punitive damages to remedy the harm caused. Understanding torts is crucial for anyone studying law, as they form the basis for many legal disputes and personal injury claims.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of a tort. A criminal offense pertains to actions that are offenses against the state or public, a legal agreement outlines the terms of a contract between parties, and a defense in court refers to strategies used by the defendant to contest the legal action against them. Thus, the notion of a tort being a civil wrong best describes its function and importance within the legal framework.