Which of the following best defines an intentional tort?

Which of the following best defines an intentional tort?

• A. An unintended act that causes injury
• B. A premeditated act that causes injury to a third party
• C. A breach of contract
• D. An act that results in property damage only

Answer: (B)

An intentional tort is best defined as a premeditated act that causes injury to a third party. This definition emphasizes the deliberate nature of the act, indicating that the person committing the tort had the intention to cause harm or knew that harm was a likely consequence of their actions. Intentional torts include actions such as assault, battery, false imprisonment, and defamation, where the person's motives and state of mind are critical components of the legal definition. In contrast, the other options do not capture the key aspect of intent. An unintended act that causes injury describes negligence rather than intentional wrongdoing. A breach of contract refers to violations of established agreements, which falls outside the scope of tort law. Lastly, limiting the definition to acts resulting in property damage excludes the broader range of injuries, including personal injuries, that intentional torts can cover. Therefore, the focus on a premeditated act and the resulting harm to a third party makes the second choice the most accurate definition of an intentional tort.

An intentional tort is best defined as a premeditated act that causes injury to a third party. This definition emphasizes the deliberate nature of the act, indicating that the person committing the tort had the intention to cause harm or knew that harm was a likely consequence of their actions. Intentional torts include actions such as assault, battery, false imprisonment, and defamation, where the person's motives and state of mind are critical components of the legal definition.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the key aspect of intent. An unintended act that causes injury describes negligence rather than intentional wrongdoing. A breach of contract refers to violations of established agreements, which falls outside the scope of tort law. Lastly, limiting the definition to acts resulting in property damage excludes the broader range of injuries, including personal injuries, that intentional torts can cover. Therefore, the focus on a premeditated act and the resulting harm to a third party makes the second choice the most accurate definition of an intentional tort.