Tort law: Legal Terminology Quiz

What does “put me on the spot” mean?

• To give someone extra time to prepare

• To embarrass someone by making them respond unexpectedly

• To ignore someone in a discussion

• To place someone in a comfortable position

Answer explanation

The phrase 'put me on the spot' means to embarrass someone by making them respond unexpectedly, often in a situation where they are unprepared. This aligns with the correct answer choice.

What does the phrase “civil wrongs” mean in the context of tort law?

• Crimes that result in jail time

• Acts that violate someone's legal rights but are not necessarily crimes

• Breaking a government law or regulation

• Minor mistakes that have no legal consequences

Answer explanation

In tort law, "civil wrongs" refer to acts that violate someone's legal rights, such as negligence or defamation, which are not classified as crimes. This distinguishes them from criminal acts that lead to jail time.

In the phrase “monetary compensation,” what does “compensation” mean?

• Punishment given to a guilty party

• The process of appealing a legal case

• Money awarded to a person who suffered harm

• A legal term for settling a dispute outside of court

Answer explanation

In the phrase "monetary compensation," the term "compensation" refers to money awarded to a person who suffered harm, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

What is a synonym for “deliberately” in the phrase “deliberately causes harm”?

• Accidentally

• Carelessly

• Intentionally

• Indirectly

Answer explanation

The word "deliberately" means to do something on purpose. The synonym "intentionally" also conveys this meaning, while the other options imply a lack of intention, making "intentionally" the correct choice.

In the sentence “Negligence is when someone fails to take reasonable care,” what does “reasonable care” mean?

• Taking extreme measures to avoid any possible harm

• Doing what an average, careful person would do in the same situation

• Following all government regulations, even if unnecessary

• A lawyer’s duty to defend their client

Answer explanation

In this context, 'reasonable care' refers to the actions of an average, careful person in similar circumstances. It does not mean extreme measures or merely following regulations, but rather a balanced approach to safety.

What does “liable” mean in the phrase “they’re liable automatically”?

• Financially responsible for harm caused

• Allowed to avoid legal consequences

• Exempt from lawsuits

• A person found guilty in a criminal case

Answer explanation

In the phrase "they're liable automatically," "liable" means they are financially responsible for any harm caused. This indicates a legal obligation to compensate for damages, making the first answer choice correct.

The phrase “government prosecutes a person” is used to describe criminal law. What does “prosecutes” mean?

• To defend a person in court

• To file a civil lawsuit for damages

• To bring formal legal charges against someone for breaking the law

• To pass a new law

Answer explanation

In criminal law, "prosecutes" means to bring formal legal charges against someone for breaking the law. This distinguishes it from defending a person or filing civil lawsuits, making the correct choice clear.

What is the meaning of the legal phrase “duty of care”?

• The obligation to act responsibly and avoid harming others

• A law that requires everyone to follow the same rules

• A legal term for financial penalties

• A type of insurance for business owners

Answer explanation

The phrase 'duty of care' refers to the obligation to act responsibly and avoid harming others. This legal concept is fundamental in negligence cases, ensuring individuals take reasonable steps to prevent harm.

In the sentence “You can face both criminal and civil consequences,” what does “face” mean?

• To experience or deal with something

• To ignore legal responsibilities

• To be forced to confess in court

• To negotiate a lower punishment

Answer explanation

In this context, "face" means to experience or deal with the consequences of actions, whether criminal or civil. It implies confronting the outcomes rather than ignoring or negotiating them.

What does 'self-defense' mean in the phrase “Alex instinctively swung their arm in self-defense”?

• Acting aggressively without reason

• Defending oneself from harm with reasonable force

• Starting a fight to protect others

• Using excessive force to retaliate

Answer explanation

In the phrase, 'self-defense' refers to protecting oneself from harm using reasonable force, which aligns with the correct choice. Alex's action was instinctive and aimed at preventing injury, not aggression or retaliation.