North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam 2026 - Free BLET Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term that describes a civil wrong is "tort." A tort is a legal term that refers specifically to a wrongful act or infringement that causes harm or loss to another person, for which the injured party may seek legal remedy through civil litigation. Torts can include various forms of negligence, defamation, invasion of privacy, and more, and they are distinct from criminal acts, which are offenses against the state or public. In tort cases, the focus is on compensating the injured party rather than punishing the wrongdoer, which is the primary concern in criminal law.

In contrast, malpractice refers to professional negligence by a medical professional or others in a position of trust, while a crime involves an act that violates federal, state, or local law, leading to prosecution by the government. An infraction is typically a minor violation of rules, often resulting in a fine rather than severe penalties. This differentiation helps clarify why "tort" is the most accurate term for a civil wrong.