What does "malpractice" refer to in tort law?

Malpractice in tort law specifically refers to a situation where a professional fails to meet the standard of care expected in their field and this failure results in harm to a client or patient. This breach of duty can arise in various professions, most commonly in fields like medicine, law, and accounting, where individuals are held to particular standards based on their training and expertise.

In contrast, options that describe negligence without the professional context or those that focus on miscommunication do not encapsulate the full definition of malpractice. Malpractice is distinct in that it emphasizes the professional's duty to adhere to certain standards and the direct consequences of failing to uphold those standards. Thus, the answer accurately reflects the concept of malpractice in tort law.