Which term refers to a breach of legal duty that causes harm or injury?

The term that refers to a breach of legal duty causing harm or injury is "tort." A tort is a civil wrong that occurs when an individual or entity fails to uphold a legal duty, resulting in harm to another person. It encompasses various types of wrongful acts, including negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and defamation, among others. The primary focus in tort law is on the responsibility of the party at fault to compensate the injured party for the damages incurred due to the wrongful act.

In contrast, a contract refers to a legally binding agreement between two or more parties, setting forth the rights and duties each party has. Malpractice typically pertains to professional negligence, where a professional fails to perform their duties to the required standard, causing harm to a client or patient. An offense generally relates to a violation of law or regulation, which can be criminal or civil in nature, but does not specifically pertain to the concept of legal duty and resulting harm found in tort law.