Which is a classic example of an intentional tort?

• A. Assault
• B. Negligence
• C. Strict liability
• D. Product liability

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is the distinction between actions taken with intent and those arising from carelessness or strict liability. An intentional tort is one where the defendant acts with purpose or with substantial certainty that harm or offensive contact will result. Assault is a classic example because it involves deliberately acting in a way that creates a reasonable fear of imminent harmful or offensive contact in another person. The key is the defendant’s intent to cause that fear or to cause contact, not that contact actually occurs. Even if there isn’t any physical contact, the plaintiff can still recover for assault if the threat was apparent and imminent.

Negligence, in contrast, rests on failing to exercise reasonable care and does not require intent, so it isn’t an intentional tort. Strict liability imposes liability regardless of fault, so intent isn’t a factor. Product liability concerns injuries caused by defective products and is typically grounded in strict liability or negligence, not intentional acts.