Civil law defines a tort as what?

Civil law defines a tort as a private wrong or injury other than a breach of contract, which is why this choice is the correct answer. In legal terms, tort law is focused on providing relief to individuals harmed by the unreasonable actions of others. This could include physical injuries, defamation, or emotional distress, where the responsible party has violated the rights of another outside of a contractual agreement.

Understanding this concept is crucial, as torts involve a range of injuries that occur in personal and business contexts, leading to civil liability without the need for a contractual relationship. This distinguishes them from contract law, which deals specifically with obligations that arise from agreements between parties.

The other choices incorporate elements of law but do not fit the definition of a tort. A failure to meet obligations under a contract pertains specifically to contract law, while a criminal wrong refers to offenses that are prosecuted by the state. Lastly, a failure to exercise reasonable care relates to negligence, which is a category within tort law but does not capture the broader definition of a tort itself.