How is an intentional tort defined?

An intentional tort is defined as a wrongful act that is deliberately committed with the intent to cause harm or consequence to another person. In this context, "purposely causing the action to occur" accurately captures the essence of an intentional tort. Unlike negligence or accidents, which hinge on unintentional actions or failures to act, intentional torts arise from a conscious decision to engage in conduct that leads to harm. This definition emphasizes that the tortfeasor (the person committing the tort) has knowledge of their actions and chooses to engage in behavior that is likely to result in a violation of another's rights.

The other options describe scenarios where the harm is not intentional. A wrongful act caused by negligence involves carelessness rather than intention. An action occurring due to accident points to events that are unplanned and unforeseen, while an outcome resulting from lack of forethought implies that the person did not contemplate the consequences of their actions. These distinctions are crucial in tort law, as the nature of the defendant's intent significantly influences the legal outcomes and potential liabilities.