Other Than Life (OTL) Practice Exam

In legal terms, what is a tort-feasor?

1. Claimant

2. Wrongdoer

3. Plaintiff

4. Defendant

The correct answer is: Wrongdoer

A tort-feasor is a legal term that specifically refers to a person or entity that commits a tort, which is a wrongful act or an infringement of a right leading to civil legal liability. By definition, the tort-feasor is the individual or entity responsible for causing harm to another through their actions or negligence. This concept is foundational in the field of tort law, as it establishes who can be held liable for damages resulting from a wrongful act. In contrast, the other terms in the choices define different roles in the legal context. A claimant is someone who makes a claim or demands a right, which could involve a tort but does not specify wrongdoing. A plaintiff is a party who brings a legal action against another in a court, and while this may involve a tort case, it does not inherently denote wrongdoing. Lastly, a defendant is the individual or entity being accused or sued in a legal action, which can include tort cases but is not synonymous with committing a tort. Thus, the designation of a tort-feasor clearly identifies the party responsible for the wrongful act, making "wrongdoer" the most accurate and relevant term in this context.