A tort action is an example of which remedy?

• A. Criminal punishment
• B. Administrative relief
• C. Civil damages
• D. Constitutional remedy

Answer: (C)

A tort action provides a civil remedy aimed at compensating someone who has been harmed by another’s negligence or intentional act. In this area of law, the typical remedy is civil damages—money awarded to cover losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This is different from criminal punishment, which is the state punishing a wrongdoer with jail time or fines; and from administrative relief, which involves actions or sanctions by government agencies. It’s also distinct from constitutional remedies, which address violations of constitutional rights and may involve different forms of relief. Since torts are civil wrongs seeking compensation rather than punishment or agency action, the appropriate remedy is civil damages.