Final answer:
A wrongful act leading to legal liability is known as a tort, different from criminal offenses where the government prosecutes and imposes penalties. Torts typically result in civil lawsuits for damages, while criminal law deals with harm or endanger of others and includes established consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
A wrongful act or the violation of someone's rights that leads to legal liability is commonly referred to as a tort. In criminal law, this type of act is distinct from criminal offenses which are prosecuted by the government and can result in punishment such as fines or imprisonment. A tort, on the other hand, often involves a civil lawsuit where the victim seeks compensation for the damages caused by the defendant's actions. An example is when a breach of contract occurs, such as when a surgeon performs an operation and the patient refuses to pay; this can be seen as a form of property theft of the services provided.
The surgeon would then be able to seek legal recourse to enforce the contract and be compensated. Conversely, criminal laws define conduct that's prohibited because it can harm others, with governments establishing rules and consequences for such actions.