New York State Private Investigator Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

A tort is best defined as an unlawful act that results in harm to another person, which corresponds with the chosen answer. In the legal context, a tort encompasses various wrongful acts—other than breach of contract—that result in legal liability. These acts can lead to civil lawsuits where the harmed party seeks compensation for damages.

For example, negligence, defamation, and trespass are all considered torts. In each case, the injured party can file a claim against the individual or entity believed to be responsible for causing the harm. The focus of a tort is on the violation of an individual's rights and the resultant injury, providing grounds for civil action.

The other options discuss concepts that do not align with the definition of a tort. A legal contract and a lawful agreement between parties relate to obligations and rights established through mutual consent, whereas a form of testimony pertains to giving evidence in a legal setting. These concepts are fundamentally different from the concept of a tort.