Which of the following is NOT listed as an example of an intentional tort?

• A. Assault
• B. Battery
• C. Negligence
• D. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress

Answer: (C)

Understanding the difference between intentional torts and negligence helps here. Intentional torts involve a deliberate act or a act done with knowledge that harm is substantially certain to result. Assault is the act of creating apprehension of imminent harmful or offensive contact, and battery is actual harmful or offensive contact done on purpose. Intentional infliction of emotional distress requires extreme or outrageous conduct intended to cause distress (or reckless disregard). Negligence, by contrast, arises from a failure to exercise reasonable care, causing harm, but without any intent to harm. Because it does not involve purposeful wrongdoing, negligence is not listed as an example of an intentional tort.