What is the primary purpose of tort law?

The primary purpose of tort law is to resolve disputes and provide compensation for harm. This area of law is designed to address situations where one party’s actions cause injury or damage to another party. It focuses on ensuring that the injured party is fairly compensated for their losses, which can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the wrongful conduct of another. The compensation serves to make the injured party "whole" again, or as close to that state as possible, following the harm caused to them.

Although tort law can involve aspects that may relate to broader legal principles—such as establishing liability and providing remedies—it fundamentally centers around civil wrongs that do not necessarily amount to criminal behavior. Thus, while other options reflect important legal concepts, they do not capture the essence of what tort law is primarily concerned with.