What best describes a 'tort'?

A tort is best characterized as a civil wrong that results in harm or loss to another individual, leading to legal liability. This definition encompasses a wide range of wrongs, including negligence, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, among others. In the context of education, it can involve incidents where a school employee’s actions or omissions lead to injury of a student or other individuals, which requires the affected party to seek remedies through civil court.

Understanding this definition is crucial, especially for school administrators and educators, as it highlights the importance of maintaining a safe environment and adhering to relevant laws and policies to minimize the risk of tortious actions. Other options relate to different concepts; for instance, a violation of educational policies pertains to administrative issues rather than legal liability for harm, while a criminal act involves actions punishable under criminal law rather than civil law. Similarly, a breach of contract revolves around formal agreements, typically regarding employment or services, rather than the broader notion of civil wrongs encapsulated by tort law.