Ace the Intro to Paralegal Studies 2026 – Unleash Your Legal Eagle Powers!

An intentional tort is characterized by the specific intention of the individual to cause harm or engage in a particular conduct that leads to harm. This means that the person committing the intentional tort has a deliberate desire to bring about the consequences of their actions, whether it be damage, injury, or other adverse outcomes to another individual or their property. Examples of intentional torts include assault, battery, false imprisonment, and trespassing, where the intent to cause harm is a crucial element.

In contrast, accidental harm or actions lacking any intent to cause harm are not classified as intentional torts. Accidental harm typically falls under the category of negligence, where the harm is the result of a failure to exercise reasonable care but not a deliberate intention to cause injury. Similarly, torts that are based solely on negligence do not involve intent to harm, but rather the breach of a duty of care, leading to unintended consequences.