Define the term "tort" and provide an example.

A tort is a civil wrongdoing that causes harm or loss to an individual, and it gives the injured party the right to seek compensation from the party responsible for the harm. Unlike criminal cases, which involve offenses against the state, tort cases are civil actions brought by one private party against another. Torts encompass a wide range of wrongful actions, including negligence, intentional misconduct, and strict liability.

An example of a tort is negligence, which occurs when someone fails to exercise the standard of care that a reasonable person would in similar circumstances, resulting in harm to another person or their property. For instance, if a driver fails to obey traffic signals and collides with another vehicle, causing injuries to the occupants, the injured party may file a negligence tort claim seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain, and suffering.

In essence, tort law provides a framework for individuals to seek redress for harm or losses caused by the wrongful actions of others in a civil context.