Civil Law8 min read

Principles of Tort Liability

January 15, 2026

Introduction

Tort liability is a central institution of civil law. It governs the duty to repair damage caused by an unlawful act and remains a practical pillar in legal reasoning.

Core conditions

Civil doctrine and case law usually describe four cumulative conditions:

1. Unlawful act

An action or omission contrary to legal duties or social standards.

2. Damage

A legally relevant loss suffered by the injured person, whether patrimonial or non-patrimonial.

3. Causation

A direct causal link between the unlawful act and the resulting damage.

4. Fault

A blameworthy mental attitude, from negligence to intent, depending on the legal context.

Conclusion

Understanding these conditions is essential for coherent legal analysis in private law.

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice.