What is the first category of state torts?

The first category of state torts is intentional torts. This category encompasses actions where a person deliberately engages in conduct that results in harm to another individual. Intentional torts can include a wide range of unlawful actions, such as assault, battery, false imprisonment, and defamation, among others. These offenses are characterized by the defendant's intention to bring about a harmful or offensive contact, meaning that the presence of intent differentiates them from other categories of torts, such as negligence or strict liability, where intent is not a necessary element.

Understanding this foundational category is crucial in tort law because intentional torts typically involve a clear intent to cause harm, which can affect both liability and damages awarded in a legal case. This knowledge is vital for those studying use of force, as it allows for a differentiation between actions taken with intent versus those that are accidental or arise from negligence.