Which constitutes an element of a prima facie tort?

• A. Infliction of intentional harm
• B. A negligent misstatement causing economic loss
• C. A breach of contract
• D. A tort against property only

Answer: (A)

A prima facie tort centers on intentional wrongdoing that causes injury without justification. The key element here is infliction of intentional harm—the defendant acts with purpose to harm, and that harm occurs. This focus on intentional conduct distinguishes prima facie tort from negligence or contract-based claims. The other options describe different legal theories: a negligent misstatement is a negligence claim, a breach of contract arises from contract rather than tort, and describing a tort "against property only" does not identify the required intentional, unjustified harm element. So infliction of intentional harm best captures what must be shown for a prima facie tort.