What are the differences between a tort and a crime?

A tort is widely different from a crime. The differences between the two are as follows:-

  • A tort is an infringement or privation of the private or civil rights belonging to individuals considered as individuals; whereas a crime is a breach of public rights and duties which affect the whole community considered as a community.
  • In tort, the wrongdoer has to compensate the injured party; whereas, in crime, he is punished by the State in the interests of society.
  • In tort, the action is brought by the injured party; whereas, in crime, the proceedings are conducted in the name of the State and the guilty person is punished by the State.
  • The award of compensation in a criminal prosecution is ancillary to the primary purpose of punishing the offender but in a tort action generally it is the main purpose.

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