What is a civil wrong commonly referred to as?

A civil wrong is commonly referred to as a tort. In legal terms, a tort occurs when an individual or entity breaches a legal duty that results in harm or injury to another person. This can encompass a wide range of actions, including negligence, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The primary focus of tort law is to provide relief to the injured party and to deter others from committing similar harms.

In contrast, a crime refers to an act that violates a law and is punishable by the state, which involves a different legal framework centered on public order and safety. Liability generally relates to the legal responsibilities one may have in various contexts, not specifically categorizing civil wrongs. A contract, on the other hand, is an agreement between parties that establishes mutual obligations and cannot be defined as a civil wrong. Thus, identifying a civil wrong as a tort is accurate and reflects its role within the legal system.