What does the term 'tortfeasor' refer to?

The term 'tortfeasor' specifically refers to a party who commits a tort, which is a wrongful act or infringement of a right leading to civil legal liability. In the context of tort law, the tortfeasor is the individual or entity responsible for causing harm or injury to another party through their actions or negligence. This definition underlines the concept that the tortfeasor is the central focus in tort cases, as they are the ones from whom the injured party seeks compensation or remedy for the wrong done.

The other options do not align with the definition of 'tortfeasor.' A plaintiff in a tort case is the party bringing the claim against the tortfeasor, while a lawyer specializing in torts is someone who represents plaintiffs or defendants in tort cases, and a judge presiding over tort cases is the official who oversees the legal proceedings but does not engage in the acts that constitute a tort themselves. Thus, only the definition relating to a party committing a tort accurately encapsulates the meaning of 'tortfeasor.'