Kuala Lampur, April 1 -- A tort is a wrong, but of a civil nature. It is not a crime, which is an offence punishable by law.

A crime is an offence against the public and renders the person who is guilty of the act or omission liable to legal punishment.

The same act or omission may be both a crime and a tort, for the duty giving rise to a claim for damages in tort may also be a duty imposed for the benefit of the public, a breach of which attracts a criminal liability.

In other words, a tort is a civil wrong, but other than a breach of contract, which is also civil as opposed to criminal, in nature.

So, a tort is a wrongful act or an infringement of a right (other than under contract) leading to legal liability. (Oxford Languages, the...