What does 'Tort' refer to in legal terms?

Tort, in legal terms, refers to a wrongful act that causes harm to another person. This concept is fundamental in civil law and encompasses various types of personal injury and negligence cases. A tort can occur in various forms, such as physical injury, emotional distress, or damage to property. The aim of tort law is to provide relief to the injured party and to deter others from committing similar wrongful acts. By recognizing that individuals can be held legally accountable for their actions that harm others, tort law establishes a framework for justice and compensation.

The other options do not accurately define a tort. A type of insurance claim typically relates to laws surrounding contracts and insurance products, while a lawful agreement describes a contract rather than a wrongful act. Therefore, option C correctly identifies the essence of what a tort represents in the legal context.