Tort

The law of torts is a body of civil law which provides legal and equitable remedies for civil wrongs other than those wrongs which arise out of the breach of contractual obligations. A cause of action in tort can and should be distinguised from a criminal prosecution which may arise from the alleged violation of a criminal statute. The former is typically prosecuted by a private citizen, whereas the latter is prosecuted by the state, and one or both may be brought forth independently. Moreover, remedies for torts can take the form of compensation for damages or injunctive relief, whereas a criminal prosecution usually results in the imposition of a fine and/or a prison sentence.