1. Torts
A Civil Wrong

2. Criminal Law Civil Law
When someone commits a wrong, it’s called a crime A crime is a wrong against ALL of society, even though there is usually a specific victim Criminals prosecuted & punished by the state
When someone commits a wrong, it’s called a tort
A tort is a wrong against an individual
Harmed individual (plaintiff) seeks to win a judgment against the accused wrongdoer (defendant)

3. Intro to Civil Law
Defendant who loses lawsuit won’t be punished with jail or penalties
Will, instead, be ordered to compensate plaintiff for harm done, usually by paying monetary damages
Certain illegal activity can be both a crime and a tort
Ex: Burglar could be prosecuted by the state AND sued by victim to recover monetary damages

4. The Idea of Liability Rules that govern civil wrongs called tort law
Tort law’s two basic questions:
Who should be liable (responsible) for the harm caused?
How much should the party responsible have to pay?
Almost any activity can be source of harm
Driving, speaking, writing, operating a business, etc.

5. The Idea of Liability
Tort law establishes standards of care that society expects from people
Failure to exercise reasonable care that causes harm may result in legal liability (legal responsibility)
Whenever person is injured, someone must bear the cost of harm
Medical bills
Lost wages
Damaged property
Emotional suffering
Tort law concerned with who must pay

6. Jackpot Justice? The McDonald's Hot Coffee Case

7. The Idea of Liability
Tort law provides legal process for injured persons to recover monetary damages from wrongdoers who cause them harm
Don’t have to go to court; can reach settlement instead
Both parties come together to discuss how to compensate injured person
If parties cannot agree on compensation, or if wrongdoer insists he/she was acting reasonably, trial may ensue