What type of tort occurs when harm is inflicted intentionally?

The type of tort that occurs when harm is inflicted intentionally is known as an intentional tort. This category of torts is characterized by actions taken with the intent to cause harm or with knowledge that such harm is likely to occur. Examples of intentional torts include assault, battery, trespass, and defamation.

In the context of intentional torts, the key element is the intention behind the act; the perpetrator acts deliberately, as opposed to making an inadvertent mistake or engaging in conduct that leads to harm without intent to do so. This intentional aspect separates these torts from others, such as negligent torts where harm might occur due to carelessness rather than deliberate harm.

In contrast, negligent torts arise from a failure to exercise a reasonable standard of care, resulting in unintended harm to another party. Strict liability involves holding a party responsible for their actions regardless of fault, often in situations involving inherently dangerous activities. Vicarious liability pertains to holding one party responsible for the actions of another, typically in employer-employee relationships, based on the notion that the employer is responsible for the negligent acts performed by an employee in the course of their employment.

Thus, understanding the nature and intent behind actions is crucial for distinguishing between different types of tort