Which of the following is an example of an intentional tort?

An intentional tort is characterized by actions taken with the intent to cause harm or distress to another individual. Assault and battery fit this definition because both involve purposeful actions aimed at inflicting harm. Assault refers to the intentional act of threatening to cause harm, creating a fear of imminent violence, while battery involves the actual physical act of striking or touching someone without their consent. In both cases, the perpetrator has a clear intention to cause harm or at least create the perception of threat.

Other options, while they involve wrongdoing, do not meet the criteria of intentionality. Negligence involves a failure to exercise reasonable care, leading to unintentional harm. Breach of contract is related to broken agreements and typically involves issues of liability rather than direct harm. Emotional distress can sometimes relate to intentional torts, but it often arises from the effects of negligent behavior or other non-intentional actions. Thus, assault and battery stand out as the pure examples of intentional tort.