Which type of tort involves a deliberate action that causes harm?

The type of tort that involves a deliberate action causing harm is an intentional tort. This occurs when a person intentionally engages in conduct that leads to harm or injury to another person. Examples of intentional torts include assault, battery, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The key aspect that differentiates this type of tort from others is the element of intent; the perpetrator's conscious decision to engage in an action that they know could result in harm to another individual is central to the definition.

In contrast, negligence involves harm that occurs as a result of a failure to exercise reasonable care, without the intent to cause harm. Strict liability is a legal doctrine that holds a party responsible for their actions regardless of intent or negligence, particularly in cases involving inherently dangerous activities or defective products. Contractual tort, while it can arise in legal disputes about contract breaches, focuses on issues surrounding contractual agreements, rather than actions intended to cause harm to another party.