Both crime and tort are terms used to describe an act by which one harms another person. But they are entirely different in the eyes of the law. Let't look at the difference.
Sometimes, persons without legal knowledge use them interchangeably but that is not the reality. They are completely different from each other. Both crime and tort are wrongful actions, actions that violate the laws, morally unacceptable or deviate from the norms of a society as a whole, and, thus, they are unwanted.
Tort
A tort is a wrongful act that interferes with another's person or the person’s property. Person are held legally responsible for those personal injuries or damage caused in the property of others.
Tort case
A tort case is a civil court proceeding. The person committing the wrong is called wrongdoer or, in a civil action , defendant. The person suffering damages or injuries is called the injured party or simply plaintiff in a civil action. The charges are brought by the plaintiff. If the defendant loses, the defendant has to pay damages to the plaintiff to restore the original condition.
Crime
A crime is a criminal wrong, in other words a wrongful act that is expressly prohibited by the state. The Criminal Code of the state has identified such actions as crime.
Criminal action
A criminal case is a criminal proceeding. The accused is also called a 'defendant". The victim is the person who has been hurt or the state of other governmental entity. The charges are brought by the prosecution.
The same act may be both a crime and a tort. Some actions are defined by the criminal code as a crime and the state may bring criminal charges against such person for committing the crime. At the same time, the injured party may also bring an action against the wrongdoer in a civil action, where the defendant may be required to pay damages for the injuries of the plaintiff.
