Criminal Acts and Intentional Torts

Criminal Act

An act that violates a law and is punishable by the Govt.

Intentional Tort

A wrongful act done on purpose that causes harm to another person

Assault

An intentional threat or attempt to cause harmful or offensive contact

Battery

The actual physical contact or harm caused intentionally to another person

False Imprisonment

Unlawfully restraining or confining a person against their will

Defamation

Making false statements that harm another person’s reputation

Libel

Defamation in written or published form

Slander

Defamation spoken orally

Invasion of Privacy

Violating someone’s right to be left alone or disclosing private information without consent

Fraud

Deliberate deception to secure unfair or unlawful gain

Negligence

Failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another

Malpractice

Professional negligence, especially by a healthcare provider

Difference between felony and misdemeanor

A felony is a serious crime with sever penalties; a misdemeanor is a less serious offense

“Intent” mean in criminal law

Purpose or knowledge to commit a wrongful act

Reasonable person standard

A legal standard used to determine if a person acted with the level of care that a reasonable person would under similar circumstances