What type of tort is negligence typically classified as?

Negligence is classified as an unintentional tort, which means that it occurs when an individual fails to act with the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would have exercised in a similar situation. Unlike intentional torts, where the perpetrator has a deliberate intention to cause harm (such as assault or trespass), negligence is primarily about a breach of duty that results in unintended harm to another party.

In an unintentional tort, the key elements often include duty, breach, causation, and damages. The focus is on the actions (or inactions) of the individual and whether those actions fell short of what is expected to prevent harm. For example, if a driver fails to stop at a red light and causes an accident, that driver may be found negligent, as they did not comply with the expected standard of care required to ensure safety on the road.

Other classifications of torts, such as intentional torts or criminal torts, involve different legal considerations and thresholds. Intentional torts require proof of intent to harm, while criminal torts involve violations of statutory law that are prosecuted by the state. Strict tort, on the other hand, does not require proof of negligence or intent, as it applies to cases involving inherently