What is the term for a wrongful act committed by one person against another person or their property?

The term "tort" refers specifically to a wrongful act that leads to civil legal liability rather than criminal liability. In legal contexts, torts encompass a wide range of behaviors that cause harm or loss to another individual or their property. This can include actions such as negligence, trespass, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, among others. The primary objective of tort law is to provide relief to the injured party and deter others from committing similar offenses.

Negligence is a specific type of tort that occurs when an individual fails to exercise reasonable care, leading to harm. While it falls within the broader category of torts, it does not represent the full scope of wrongful acts available under tort law. A crime, on the other hand, is an act that is considered harmful to society at large and is punishable by law, distinguishing it from tortious actions, which are primarily civil in nature. Finally, a contract refers to a formal agreement between parties and does not involve wrongful acts against another person or their property. Thus, the correct answer, "tort," encapsulates the broader definition of a wrongful act within civil law, making it the most accurate choice.