What is a key characteristic of torts?

A key characteristic of torts is that they lead to civil legal liability. In legal terms, a tort is a wrongful act or an infringement of a right leading to civil legal liability. Torts can result from a variety of actions, including negligence, defamation, or intentional harm, and the harmed party can sue for damages. This characteristic distinguishes torts from other areas of law, such as criminal law, where the focus is on acts against the state rather than private individuals.

In contrast to this correct understanding, the other options do not accurately reflect the nature of torts. Torts are not solely about contracts, which is a distinctive feature of contract law. They are also not limited to property damage; they can include personal injuries, emotional distress, and other non-economic harms. Moreover, tort law is separate from criminal law, as torts deal primarily with civil wrongs where the remedies typically involve compensation, rather than punishment or incarceration. Thus, the statement that torts lead to civil legal liability captures the fundamental nature of this legal concept.