What are the two primary classifications of torts?

The two primary classifications of torts are intentional and unintentional. Intentional torts occur when an individual deliberately engages in actions that cause harm to another person, such as assault, battery, or defamation. In these instances, the tortfeasor, or wrongdoer, has a clear intention to cause injury or damage.

On the other hand, unintentional torts, often referred to as negligence, arise when a person fails to act with the care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise under similar circumstances. Unintentional torts do not involve intent to harm, but rather a failure to meet a standard of care, resulting in injury or damage. Common examples include car accidents or slip and fall incidents.

In contrast, other classifications such as criminal and civil pertain to legal actions and contexts rather than to the nature of the wrong itself. The classification of personal and property relates to the types of damages that can be claimed, rather than categorizing the torts themselves. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the legal principles involved in tort law and aids in determining the appropriate remedies for victims of tortious conduct.