What term is used to describe a wrongful act that leads to civil legal liability?

The term "negligence" refers to a wrongful act that leads to civil legal liability. It arises when an individual fails to exercise the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would in similar circumstances, resulting in harm to another party. This failure can involve actions or omissions that cause injury, damage, or other forms of loss. In civil law, negligence is a foundational concept and is often at the center of personal injury cases, where the injured party seeks compensation for damages resulting from the negligent behavior of another.

Negligence encompasses various aspects, including duty of care, breach of that duty, causation, and damages. Understanding these elements is crucial for determining liability in civil lawsuits. This concept is distinct from other options, which describe different types of wrongful acts or offenses. For instance, contract violation relates specifically to breaches of contractual agreements, disorderly conduct pertains to actions that disturb the peace, while assault involves a threat of physical harm. Each of these has its specific legal definitions and implications, separate from the civil liability framework associated with negligence.