What is a tort?

A tort is defined as a legal wrong that occurs when one person or entity causes harm or injury to another. This is distinct from a breach of contract, which specifically involves the violation of a mutually agreed-upon set of terms between parties. In the context of tort law, the focus is on civil wrongs that result in harm or loss, where the injured party is entitled to compensation or remedy for their suffering.

This definition emphasizes that a tort does not arise from a contractual relationship but from situations that cause another party to suffer damage or injury. Examples of torts include negligence, defamation, and assault, all of which can lead to legal action where the harmed party seeks a remedy, often in the form of monetary compensation.

The other options do not encapsulate the definition of a tort accurately. A breach of contract specifically relates to contractual obligations rather than general legal wrongs. The phrase "a legal right to perform a procedure" refers more to permissions and legal obligations rather than wrongs done to others. Lastly, an ethical violation in sports pertains to moral standards and codes of conduct, diverging from the legal parameters that define torts.