Which of the following best describes a tort?

A tort is defined as a private or civil wrong that causes injury to another person or their property. This legal concept is fundamental in civil law and encompasses various wrongful acts, such as negligence, defamation, or trespass, where one party's actions result in harm or loss to another party. Torts can lead to the injured party seeking compensation or remedies through the legal system.

Understanding torts is crucial because they establish the basis for liability and provide a framework for legal recourse. For instance, if someone is injured due to another person's negligence, the injured party can file a tort claim to recover damages.

In contrast, other options mention concepts that do not accurately capture the essence of a tort. For example, an act that only affects public safety typically relates to criminal law rather than civil wrongs. A breach of contract pertains to the failure to fulfill the terms of a legally binding agreement, which, while a type of civil wrong, is specifically tied to contracts rather than torts overall. Lastly, a violation of state law can encompass a wide array of issues, many of which involve criminal offenses, not the private or civil infractions that define torts.