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Intentional Tort
An intentional tort is a wrongful act someone commits on purpose that causes harm to you or your property, giving you the right to sue for compensation.
What it actually is
In legal terms, an intentional tort occurs when a person deliberately acts (or fails to act when required) in a way that violates your legal rights, such as by hitting you, trespassing on your land, or falsely imprisoning you. It appears in a civil lawsuit where the plaintiff must prove the defendant acted with intent, not merely by accident or negligence. The specific elements vary by the type of tort, but the core is that the defendant desired the consequences or knew they were substantially certain to occur.
Why it matters in your case
This matters because it determines what you must prove to win your case: you need to show the defendant acted purposely, not just carelessly, which can affect the evidence you gather and the defenses available. It also influences the types of damages you may recover, such as punitive damages meant to punish the wrongdoer, though these are not guaranteed in every case.
The common misunderstanding
Many people confuse intentional torts with crimes, but they are civil wrongs, not criminal offenses—you sue for money or court orders, not for jail time. Another common mistake is thinking that “intent” means the defendant meant to harm you, when in fact it often only requires that they intended the act that caused the harm, even if they did not foresee the exact injury.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.