What differentiates "intent" from "negligence" in tort law?

In tort law, the key differentiator between "intent" and "negligence" lies in the nature of the actions involved. Intent refers to a purposeful action where the actor consciously desires to bring about a specific result or knows that such a result is substantially certain to occur from their conduct. This means that the person had a specific intention in mind when they acted, which is a crucial aspect when establishing liability in intentional torts.

Negligence, on the other hand, arises from a failure to act with the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in similar circumstances. It does not require a purposeful intention to cause harm; rather, it focuses on the actor’s lack of due care that leads to unintentional damage or injury.

In summary, distinguishing between intent and negligence is essential in tort law, as it determines the standard of care expected and the nature of the wrongfulness of the actions taken by the individual. Intent establishes a deliberate act, while negligence involves carelessness without the intent to cause harm. This understanding is foundational in navigating tort liability and determining appropriate legal outcomes.