Dignitary Torts

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Tort law

Part of the common law series
Intentional torts
Assault · Battery · False imprisonment
Intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED)
Consent · Necessity · Self defense
Property torts
Trespass · Conversion
Detinue · Replevin · Trover
Dignitary torts
Defamation · Invasion of privacy
Breach of confidence · Abuse of process
Malicious prosecution
Alienation of affections
Economic torts
Fraud · Tortious interference
Conspiracy · Restraint of trade
Nuisance
Public nuisance · Rylands v. Fletcher
Negligence
Duty of care · Standard of care
Proximate cause · Res ipsa loquitur
Calculus of negligence
Rescue doctrine · Duty to rescue
Specific kinds of negligence
Negligent infliction of emotional distress (NIED)
In employment · Entrustment
Malpractice
Duty to visitors
Trespassers · Licensees · Invitees
Attractive nuisance
Strict liability torts
Product liability · Ultrahazardous activity
Liability, defences, remedies
Comparative and contributory negligence
Last clear chance · Eggshell skull
Vicarious liability · Volenti non fit injuria
Ex turpi causa non oritur actio
Damages · Injunction
Common law
Contract law · Property law
Wills and trusts
Criminal law · Evidence

Dignitary torts are a specific category of torts where the cause of action is being subjected to certain kinds of indignities.^[1] Historically, this category of torts was often covered by the old English writ of trespass vi et armis.

The primary dignitary torts are battery, assault, and false imprisonment.

Dignity torts, as they are sometimes called, are typically intentional torts, claiming harm to a person's human dignity. Modern jurisprudence has recognized some secondary dignitary torts, most notably defamation (slander and libel), intentional infliction of emotional distress, and invasion of privacy.

The only non-intentional dignitary tort is negligent infliction of emotional distress.