What defines the concept of a joint tortfeasor?

The concept of a joint tortfeasor is best defined by the idea of multiple parties participating in a tortious act. In legal terms, a joint tortfeasor refers to two or more individuals or entities that are jointly responsible for causing harm or injury through their combined actions. This means that each joint tortfeasor can be held liable for the entire damage caused, regardless of their individual degree of involvement in the tortious conduct.

This definition is critical in understanding tort law, as it helps injured parties seek remedies from any or all of the responsible parties. In cases involving joint tortfeasors, the court may assess how the liability is shared among the involved parties, but the fundamental concept hinges on their joint participation in causing the harm.

In contrast, a single act of negligence refers to the actions of one party, which does not encompass the collaborative nature required to define joint tortfeasors. Similarly, a voluntary release of all liability pertains more to agreements that can absolve a party from responsibility, and a contract specifying damages focuses on the terms agreed upon regarding how harm will be compensated, rather than the collective responsibility for a tort.