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Quizzes > Society & Culture

Intentional Torts Quiz: Multiple-Choice Practice

Quick, free practice with torts multiple choice questions. Instant feedback.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Marcin KrysiakUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of a gavel book and question mark on golden yellow background

This intentional torts quiz helps you practice elements, defenses, and short fact patterns with instant feedback. For wider review, try our tort law quiz and build skills across topics, or sharpen doctrine with a quick contract law quiz. Want the big-picture context? Explore fundamentals in a concise jurisprudence quiz.

Which intentional tort involves creating a reasonable apprehension of imminent harmful or offensive contact?
Assault
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
False Imprisonment
Battery
Assault requires an act intending to cause apprehension of imminent harmful or offensive contact and the plaintiff's reasonable apprehension of such contact. Unlike battery, no contact is necessary for assault. It focuses on the victim's perception of threat. For more, see .
What is required for a battery claim?
Emotional distress
Harmful or offensive contact
Intent to confine
Apprehension of contact
Battery is the intentional infliction of harmful or offensive contact on another person. The contact need not cause injury, only be offensive to a reasonable person. Intent is satisfied if the defendant intended the contact or knew it was substantially certain to occur. See .
Which element is NOT required for false imprisonment?
Physical injury
Physical barrier or force
Intent to confine
Awareness of confinement
False imprisonment requires intent to confine, confinement within boundaries, and awareness or harm. Physical injury is not required; awareness of confinement or resulting harm suffices. The confinement can be through physical barriers or threats. For details, see .
Trespass to land requires which of the following?
Emotional distress caused by entry
Intentional entry onto land of another
Negligent entry onto land
Actual damage to the property
Trespass to land is established by intentional physical invasion of land possessed by another. Actual damage is not required; unauthorized entry itself causes liability. The defendant need only intend the entry, not the trespass. See .
Conversion is best described as:
Error in land deed
False statement harming reputation
Slight interference with personal property
Unauthorized assumption of ownership over chattel
Conversion is an intentional exercise of control over another's chattel that seriously interferes with its right of control. It is more than trespass to chattels because it deprives the owner of use or value. Plaintiffs can recover full value of the property. For more, see .
Which tort requires publication of a false statement that injures someone's reputation?
Defamation
Battery
Assault
Trespass
Defamation involves a false statement published to a third party that injures the plaintiff's reputation. It encompasses libel (written) and slander (spoken). The plaintiff must also demonstrate damages, except in certain per se cases. See .
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED) requires:
Extreme and outrageous conduct causing severe distress
Any insult causing discomfort
Physical injury to the plaintiff
Publication of a false statement
IIED requires (1) extreme and outrageous conduct, (2) intent or recklessness, (3) causation of distress, and (4) severe emotional distress. Mere insults or annoyances do not suffice. The defendant's conduct must exceed all bounds of decency. More info at .
What defense allows a shopkeeper to detain a suspected shoplifter?
Self-defense
Consent
Necessity
Shopkeeper's privilege
The shopkeeper's privilege permits reasonable detention of suspected shoplifters on store premises for investigation. The detention must be reasonable in time, manner, and scope. It prevents civil liability for false imprisonment in this context. See .
Consent is a defense to which intentional tort?
Battery
Defamation
Trespass to land
Conversion
Consent, whether express or implied, is a complete defense to battery when the plaintiff agrees to the contact. It can limit liability for sports injuries or medical procedures. Consent must be voluntary and informed. See .
Transferred intent allows a defendant's intent to commit one tort to transfer when the defendant inadvertently commits another. Which scenario applies?
Defendant intends to assault A but accidentally assaults B
Defendant negligently injures a bystander
Defendant trespasses on land
Defendant insults someone verbally
Transferred intent applies when the defendant intends one tort against a person but inadvertently commits that tort against another person or a different tort. For example, intending to hit A but striking B qualifies. The intent transfers to B, establishing liability. See .
Which intentional tort protects one's interest in personal tranquility and freedom from confinement?
Battery
False Imprisonment
Assault
Trespass to chattels
False imprisonment protects the right to move freely without restraint by another. It requires intent and confinement. Awareness or harm suffices to establish the tort. Details at .
What distinguishes trespass to chattels from conversion?
Trespass requires severe interference
Conversion is a defense to trespass
Conversion requires intent to harm
Trespass involves only minor interferences
Trespass to chattels involves intentional interference with another's personal property causing harm or deprivation. Conversion is a more serious interference akin to an exercise of dominion. Minor interferences give trespass, major takeovers give conversion. See .
Which tort can be committed by publishing a truthful statement with reckless disregard for the truth to a third party?
Strict liability
Battery
Negligence
Defamation (NY Times actual malice)
Public figures must prove 'actual malice' in defamation: publication of statements with knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard. Even if the statement is ultimately true, reckless disregard can create liability. This heightens the standard for free speech. For more, see .
Which of the following is a privilege that justifies what would otherwise be a tortious act to prevent greater harm?
Consent
Self-defense
Defamation
Necessity
Necessity allows intrusion on another's property to avoid greater harm, such as destroying a barn to fight a fire. It can be public (benefiting community) or private (benefiting individual). The privilege precludes liability but may require compensation. See .
A defendant fires a gun at plaintiff but misses; the plaintiff is unaware. Which tort applies?
Assault
Battery
No tort because no apprehension
Attempted battery
Assault requires reasonable apprehension; battery requires contact. Without awareness or contact, neither tort is complete. Attempted battery alone is not a recognized tort by itself absent injury or apprehension. See .
What is the primary difference between slander and libel?
Slander is written, libel is spoken
Only libel requires damages
Libel is written, slander is spoken
Only slander has defenses
Libel refers to defamation in a fixed medium (e.g., writing, print). Slander refers to oral defamation. Libel often allows presumed damages while slander requires proof of special damages unless per se. More at .
Which tort arises from intentional severe emotional distress without physical contact?
Battery
IIED
Assault
Negligence
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED) addresses outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional harm. Physical contact is not required. It complements other intentional torts by covering pure emotional injuries. See .
Which common law defense requires a reasonable belief of imminent harm and proportional response?
Self-defense
Defense of property
Necessity
Consent
Self-defense requires honest and reasonable belief of imminent threat and use of proportional force. Excessive force can negate the defense. It applies to both battery and assault. See .
Under vicarious liability, an employer is liable for an employee's torts when:
Tort occurs within the scope of employment
Employer directed the act personally
Employee acts outside employment scope
Employee commits intentional tort
Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employee torts committed within the scope of employment. Intentional torts can be covered if furthering employer's business. Independent contractors are typically excluded. See .
Which element is required for a negligence cause of action but not for an intentional tort?
Intent
Duty of care
Awareness
Contact
Negligence requires duty, breach, causation, and damages. Intentional torts require intent but not duty. Duty is the obligation to conform to a standard of care. For more, see .
What is proximate cause in tort law?
Actual cause only
Any cause that is remote
Intentional act causing harm
Foreseeability link limiting liability
Proximate cause limits liability to harms that are a foreseeable result of the defendant's conduct. It builds on actual cause ('but-for' test) to avoid limitless liability. Foreseeability and policy guide its application. See .
Which tort involves the intentional publication of private facts that would be offensive to a reasonable person?
Invasion of privacy - public disclosure
Negligence
IIED
Defamation
Public disclosure of private facts is an invasion of privacy tort requiring publicity, private matter, offensiveness, and not newsworthy. It differs from defamation by the truthfulness of the fact. The disclosure must be widespread. For details, see .
Which of the following best describes assumption of risk?
Plaintiff was unaware of risk
Risk imposed by statute
Plaintiff knowingly and voluntarily undertook risk
Defendant assumed risk voluntarily
Assumption of risk applies when the plaintiff knows of a risk and voluntarily accepts it, barring or reducing recovery. It can be express (contract) or implied (by conduct). It reflects personal responsibility. See .
In defamation law, what is the statement of opinion rule?
Opinions require malice to be actionable
Opinions are equivalent to facts
Pure opinions are protected from defamation
Opinions are never protected
Pure opinions, incapable of being proven true or false, are protected under the First Amendment. If a statement implies false defamatory facts, it loses protection. Courts analyze context and verifiability. For more, see .
Which tort requires proof of special damages unless it is defamation per se?
Assault
Battery
Slander
Libel
Slander is spoken defamation and generally requires proof of pecuniary harm unless it falls into per se categories (e.g., serious crime allegations). Libel in a fixed medium often allows presumed damages. This distinction affects remedies. See .
Which standard applies when a public figure sues for defamation?
Strict liability
Recklessness
Actual malice
Negligence
Public figures must prove actual malice: the defendant knew the statement was false or acted with reckless disregard. This higher standard protects free debate on public issues. It originates from New York Times v. Sullivan. See .
Which doctrine allows a plaintiff to infer negligence when the instrumentality causing damage was under the defendant's control?
Res ipsa loquitur
Strict liability
Proximate cause
Comparative negligence
Res ipsa loquitur allows plaintiffs to establish a presumption of negligence when the accident ordinarily would not occur without negligence and the instrumentality was in defendant's control. The burden shifts to the defendant to rebut. This doctrine avoids direct evidence. See .
Comparative negligence reduces plaintiff's recovery based on:
Defendant's fault only
Strict liability rules
Plaintiff's fault percentage
Assumption of risk
Comparative negligence allocates fault between plaintiff and defendant, reducing recovery by plaintiff's percentage of fault. Pure comparative allows recovery even if plaintiff is more at fault. Modified comparative bars recovery if plaintiff's fault exceeds a threshold. See .
What is intentional tortious interference with contractual relations?
Inducing a party to breach contract
Negligent breach of contract
Rescission of contract
Breach by performance
Intentional interference with contractual relations requires a valid contract, defendant's knowledge, intentional inducement to breach, actual breach, and damages. It protects contractual expectations. The defendant must act improperly. For more, see .
What is the 'eggshell plaintiff' rule?
Strict liability principle
Assumption of risk doctrine
Take your victim as you find them
Comparative negligence rule
The eggshell plaintiff rule holds defendants liable for all damages even if the plaintiff had a preexisting vulnerability that exacerbated harm. It prevents defendants from escaping full liability due to unexpected severity. You take your victim as you find them. See .
What distinguishes public necessity from private necessity?
Private necessity requires compensation for harm caused
Public necessity never requires compensation
Private necessity protects property without compensation
Public necessity requires compensation
Public necessity allows invasion of property to avert a public disaster without liability for trespass but may require compensation for damage. Private necessity justifies invasion to protect a limited group but still requires payment for actual harm inflicted. Both are privileges, but compensation differs. See .
Which privilege protects a defendant who publishes defamatory statements in a judicial proceeding?
Absolute privilege
Public necessity
Self-defense
Qualified privilege
Absolute privilege shields statements made in judicial and legislative proceedings from defamation liability regardless of malice. It promotes candid discourse in official processes. The privilege is unconditional. More at .
Which test determines the foreseeability element for proximate cause?
Res ipsa loquitur
Substantial factor test
But-for test
Foreseeability test
While the but-for test addresses actual cause, proximate cause uses foreseeability: whether the harm is a natural and probable consequence of the conduct. Courts also consider policy factors. The foreseeability test limits liability. See .
In defamation, what is required for a private figure to recover presumed damages for libel?
Public interest in the statement
Proof of actual malice
Negligence by defendant
Statement is defamatory per se
A private figure can recover presumed damages for libel if the statement is defamatory per se (e.g., accusing of crime) without proving actual injury. Negligence suffices for private figure liability, unlike actual malice. This balances free speech and reputation. See .
Which element differentiates negligent infliction of emotional distress (NIED) from IIED?
Duty to avoid emotional harm
Reckless or intentional conduct
Physical contact
Publication requirement
NIED requires breach of a duty to avoid causing emotional harm, absence of intent. IIED requires intentional or reckless extreme conduct. NIED claims often demand physical impact or zone of danger. Duty is a key difference. See .
What is necessary to establish trespass to chattels?
Serious harm or deprivation from chattel use
Publication to third parties
Intent to confine
Any touching of personal property
Trespass to chattels requires intentional interference with the plaintiff's personal property causing dispossession or impairment. Mere contact without harm may not suffice. The interference must result in dispossession or damage. See .
Which tort protects against intrusion upon seclusion?
Defamation
Invasion of privacy
IIED
Trespass
Intrusion upon seclusion is an invasion of privacy tort requiring intentional intrusion into private affairs of another that would be highly offensive. It protects solitude rather than reputation. No publication is required. More at .
Which concept imposes liability for abnormally dangerous activities?
Negligence
Battery
Strict liability
IIED
Strict liability for ultrahazardous activities holds defendants liable for harm without fault if activity is not common, poses high risk, and precautions cannot eliminate risk. Examples include blasting or storing explosives. It differs from intentional torts by focusing on activity nature. See .
Which defense requires the defendant to surrender an interest in the property to protect from immediate harm?
Self-defense
Consent
Private necessity
Public necessity
Private necessity justifies intrusion on property to protect self or belongings, but the actor must pay for actual damage caused. It is conditional and benefits individual interest. The privilege ends when necessity ends. For more, see .
Under the Restatement, which tort requires 'extreme and outrageous' conduct?
Battery
Negligent infliction of emotional distress
IIED
Defamation
The Restatement (Second) defines IIED as extreme and outrageous conduct beyond all bounds of decency. The conduct must be intended or reckless and cause severe emotional distress. Mere insults are insufficient. See .
Which intentional tort can arise from abusive or coercive interrogation techniques causing emotional harm?
Assault
False imprisonment
IIED
Battery
Coercive interrogation can constitute IIED when conduct is extreme and outrageous and causes severe emotional harm. Physical contact is not required. It overlaps with false imprisonment if confinement exists. See .
Which legal doctrine bars subsequent tort claims after voluntary settlement?
Res judicata
Release and waiver
Collateral estoppel
Statute of limitations
A release and waiver extinguishes claims released by the parties, barring subsequent lawsuits on the same matter. It is a contract between parties. It differs from res judicata which arises from judgments. See .
Which tort addresses disparagement of goods rather than reputational harm to persons?
Defamation
Conversion
Trade libel
Slander of title
Trade libel involves false statements about the quality of goods or property that cause economic harm. It is also called injurious falsehood. It requires publication, falsity, malice, and damages. See .
What is the tort of wrongful interference with prospective economic advantage?
Breach of contract
Conversion
Interfering with a contractual relationship
Intentional interference with business expectancy
Wrongful interference with prospective economic advantage protects business opportunities that are not yet contractual. It requires improper actions, knowledge of expectancy, and damages. It differs from contractual interference by lack of existing contract. See .
Under the doctrine of qualified privilege in defamation, which factor can defeat the privilege?
Truth of the statement
Lack of malice
Publication to limited audience
Speaker's actual malice
Qualified privilege protects certain communications unless the plaintiff proves actual malice or abuse of privilege. Actual malice here means knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard. Loss of privilege can arise from excess scope or improper motive. See .
Which element is unique to the tort of fraud (intentional misrepresentation)?
Publication requirement
Duty of care
Extreme and outrageous conduct
Intent to induce reliance
Fraud requires a false representation of material fact, knowledge of its falsity, intent to induce reliance, actual and justifiable reliance, and damages. Intent to induce reliance distinguishes it from negligence. See .
In tortious interference claims, what must the plaintiff show about the defendant's conduct?
No existing contract requirement
Strict liability
Improper or wrongful means
Negligent performance of contract
Tortious interference requires proof that the defendant used improper or wrongful means to disrupt a plaintiff's contract or prospective advantage. Improper means include violence, fraud, or breach of statutory duty. Mere competition is insufficient. More at .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand the Elements of Intentional Torts -

    Break down the core components - act, causation, damages, and culpability - to confidently tackle intentional torts practice questions.

  2. Analyze Complex Fact Patterns -

    Apply legal reasoning to dissect hypothetical scenarios and select correct answers in torts multiple choice questions.

  3. Identify Key Distinctions Between Torts -

    Differentiate among various intentional torts, enhancing your ability to spot nuanced differences on torts 1 multiple choice questions.

  4. Apply Causation and Damages Principles -

    Use established tests and legal standards to determine causation and quantify damages in multiple choice formats.

  5. Evaluate Defenses to Intentional Torts -

    Assess common defenses like consent and self-defense to improve accuracy on intentional torts multiple choice questions.

  6. Boost Confidence and Test Performance -

    Enhance your exam readiness by practicing targeted questions and reviewing explanations to solidify your understanding and speed.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Volitional Act Requirement -

    Review Restatement (Second) of Torts §§13 and 18 to confirm that a volitional act is required for liability in intentional torts 1 multiple choice questions. Remember the mnemonic "Act = Actual Movement" to distinguish between purposeful conduct and mere thoughts. For example, swinging a bat and striking someone fulfills the act element for battery (Prosser & Keeton on Torts).

  2. Causation: But-For and Proximate -

    Master the "but-for" test for actual causation and foreseeability for proximate causation, as detailed by the University of Chicago Law Review. A handy phrase is "But-For, Forward or Foresee," which reminds you to link cause and effect and check if harm was a foreseeable result. In torts multiple choice questions, look out for intervening causes that might break the chain of liability.

  3. damages: Compensatory vs. Punitive -

    Distinguish compensatory damages (economic loss, pain and suffering) from punitive damages aimed at deterrence, drawing on guidelines from Harvard Law Review. Practice calculating special damages like medical expenses and lost wages, then identify when courts award exemplary relief. Nominal damages (e.g., $1) also appear in intentional torts practice questions when no actual harm is proven.

  4. Intent and Transferred Intent -

    Focus on the dual intent model - purpose or substantial certainty of harm - and study Restatement (Second) of Torts §8A for transferred intent doctrines. Mnemonic tip: "TIT" (Transferred Intent Transfers Torts) helps recall that intent toward A can transfer to B for battery or assault. Sample scenario: A aims to punch X but hits Y; intent to harm transfers, so Y can recover.

  5. Key Defenses: CANS -

    Learn the CANS framework (Consent, Assumption of Risk, Necessity, Self-defense) - a staple in intentional torts multiple choice questions and Cornell LII summaries. Remember: valid consent negates battery, while necessity saves you in emergencies. Practice spotting if a defendant's protective act falls under self-defense or public necessity to zero out liability.

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