Americans agree that democracy requires freedom of speech. But a large minority also thinks it’s acceptable to bar certain subjects or speakers from public debate.
I think that the easiest way to look at it is that tort law is between people (or corporations), and making things ‘right’ when a person does something that hurts the other person, but not in a criminal kind of way. Class actions are a form of tort law, yes. This is a pretty solid write-up. Some things can be covered under both; if, for instance, you punched me in the face and broke my jaw, the state could prosecute you for the criminal activity (battery), and I could sue you for the injury I’d suffered. But my suit couldn’t result in a felony conviction for you.
I think that the easiest way to look at it is that tort law is between people (or corporations), and making things ‘right’ when a person does something that hurts the other person, but not in a criminal kind of way. Class actions are a form of tort law, yes. This is a pretty solid write-up. Some things can be covered under both; if, for instance, you punched me in the face and broke my jaw, the state could prosecute you for the criminal activity (battery), and I could sue you for the injury I’d suffered. But my suit couldn’t result in a felony conviction for you.