What is the primary purpose of tort law?

The primary purpose of tort law is indeed to provide relief to injured parties and to deter harmful conduct. This framework is essential in civil law, as it addresses wrongs that cause harm or injury to individuals, families, or entities outside of criminal offenses. Tort law serves to hold parties accountable for their actions, thus encouraging individuals and businesses to behave in ways that do not harm others.

By compensating victims, tort law helps to restore them to their position prior to the injury, either through monetary damages or other remedies. Additionally, tort law acts as a deterrent by signaling to potential wrongdoers that harmful behavior can lead to legal consequences and financial liability. This deters both intentional and negligent acts, promoting a safer society overall.

The other options focus on different legal principles. For instance, imposing criminal penalties is related to criminal law rather than tort law. Encouraging competition among businesses is a matter of regulatory law or antitrust law. Regulating government actions pertains to administrative law and constitutional law, which are distinct from the objectives of tort law. Consequently, the core intent of tort law is centered on compensation and deterrence, encapsulated perfectly in the correct answer.