What term describes a civil wrongdoing against an individual?

A civil wrongdoing against an individual is referred to as a tort. This legal term encompasses a wide range of actions where one party's negligence or intentional misconduct results in harm or injury to another party. Tort law provides the framework for individuals to seek compensation for losses incurred as a result of another's wrongful act, which is distinct from criminal law where the state prosecutes for violations against society as a whole.

In the context of civil law, a tort may involve personal injury, property damage, defamation, or invasion of privacy, among other issues. The essence of tort law is to allow individuals to hold others accountable for their actions and to provide remedies, typically in the form of monetary damages, to the injured party.

Understanding this concept is fundamental in the study of legal responsibilities and allows for better comprehension of the distinctions between civil wrongs and other legal terms such as crime, which involves breaches of law punishable by the state, and liability, which refers to the legal responsibility for one's actions, potentially arising from tortious conduct.