What is the term for actions taken to intentionally harm or threaten another individual?

The term for actions taken to intentionally harm or threaten another individual is intentional torts. This concept is rooted in tort law, where a tort is essentially a civil wrong that leads to harm or injury to another person. In the case of intentional torts, the individual committing the act does so with the intent to cause harm or to make someone fear harm. Examples include assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Understanding intentional torts is crucial for private investigators, as it helps them assess situations that may involve criminal or civil legal actions and establish the motivations and actions of the involved parties. This understanding can play a significant role in the investigative process, especially when gathering evidence to support claims in court or during litigation.

The other terms, such as civil liability and negligence, relate to different legal concepts that do not involve the intentional aspect of harm. Civil liability generally refers to the legal responsibility one has to compensate another for harm caused, while negligence pertains to unintentional harm resulting from a failure to exercise reasonable care. Survival claims involve claims that relate to the rights of an estate after a person's death, which are also distinct from intentional torts.