Which of the following best defines a tort?

A tort is best defined as a civil wrong, which distinguishes it from other legal categories such as contracts or crimes. In the legal context, a tort involves a violation of a duty that results in harm or injury to another person, for which the injured party may seek compensation. This may include various types of misconduct, such as negligence, defamation, or assault, where the breach of duty does not arise from a contractual agreement but rather from the obligation not to harm others in society.

The other options represent different legal concepts: a contractual obligation pertains to agreements between parties, a crime involves actions that violate state laws leading to criminal prosecution, and a regulatory infraction refers to violations of specific regulations set by governmental entities. Each of these is distinct from a tort, which is solely focused on civil liability and compensation for harm caused. Understanding that a tort is fundamentally about addressing civil wrongs helps clarify the role it plays within the broader legal system.