In this article you will learn about the Difference Between Crime and Tort in IPC.
Crime
Crime is an act harmful or wrong against the society and identified by the state. A crime gives rise to criminal proceedings. The objective of crime is to maintain law and order in the society. The intention in crime is generally relevant. Here the offender is sentenced.
In IPC, crimes are categorised into different sections based on the nature of the offence. Some common categories of crimes in the IPC include offenses against the human body (such as murder, assault, and kidnapping), offenses against property (such as theft, robbery, and burglary), offenses against public order (such as rioting and unlawful assembly), offenses against the state (such as sedition and treason), offenses related to dishonesty (such as fraud and cheating), and offenses against women (such as rape and dowry death).
Illustration
X and Y are rivals. One day, X takes a gun loaded with bullets and shoots Y on point-black. X has committed the offence of murder.
Tort
A tort is a type of civil wrong which gives rise to civil proceedings. It is an infringement of civil rights committed against an individual. The intention in tort is generally not relevant. Here the defendant has to pay compensation or damages decided by the court. The objective of tort is to protect the rights of the person.
Tort law encompasses a wide range of civil wrongs, including negligence, defamation, nuisance, trespass, assault, and battery, among others. The law imposes a duty of care on individuals to act reasonably and avoid causing harm to others.
Illustration
A and B are neighbours. B plays very loud music at 2:00 am, which disturbs A. B can be sued for the tort of nuisance by A.
| DIFFERENCES | CRIME | TORT |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | It is a wrong against the society and identified by the state | An infringement of civil rights committed against an individual |
| Classification of Law | Crime gives rise to criminal proceedings | It is a civil wrong which gives rise to civil proceedings |
| Object | To maintain law and order in the society | To protect the rights of the person |
| Codification | Law of crime is a codified law | Law of tort is uncodified law |
| Intention | Generally intention is relevant | Generally intention is not relevant |
| Impact | It shakes the conscious of the state | It gives impact to the individuals |
| Violation of Right | Public Rights | Private Rights |
| Name of the party | Offender | Wrongdoer |
Conclusion
Crime involves violations of criminal law and is prosecuted by the state, while tort refers to civil wrongs and is addressed through civil lawsuits filed by the injured party seeking compensation. Crimes focus on punishing the offender, while torts aim to compensate the victim for their losses.
This article on Difference Between Crime and Tort in IPC is contributed by Dipshikha Anand. If you like LawStudyPoint.com do follow us on our Twitter handle.