Ch.6 Intentional Torts

Tort

A private, civil wrong against persons or property designed to compensate and punish.

Compensatory Damages

Damages covering actual financial loss and intangible harms like emotional distress.

Punitive Damages

Damages exceeding actual losses designed to punish the defendant and deter misconduct.

Battery

An intentional, unconsented touching that is harmful or offensive.

Merchant Protection Statute

A defense against false imprisonment allowing reasonable detention and investigation of suspects.

Defamation Per Se

Statements so damaging that reputational damages are presumed without proof of special harm.

Actual Malice

The legal standard required for public figures to prove fault in defamation lawsuits.

Forms of Invasion of Privacy

False-light publicity, appropriation of name, and intrusion upon seclusion.