What is the primary purpose of tort law?

The primary purpose of tort law is to compensate victims of legally recognizable injuries. Tort law addresses situations where an individual suffers harm due to the actions or negligence of another party. The focus is on providing relief to those harmed, ensuring that they have the means to recover from their injuries, whether financial, physical, or emotional.

In tort cases, the injured party (plaintiff) seeks damages from the party responsible for the harm (defendant). This compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs, aiming to restore the victim as much as possible to their state prior to the injury. The compensation principle underlies the entire tort system, making it a crucial aspect of its functioning and purpose.

While punishing wrongdoers and establishing accountability are elements considered in tort law, they are not its main objectives; those aspects are more closely associated with criminal law. Similarly, regulating professional conduct relates more to the standards governing professional responsibilities and ethics rather than the compensatory goals of tort law. Thus, the central aim remains focused on providing justice to victims through appropriate restitution for their losses resulting from wrongful acts.