Differences Between Various Crimes What is the difference between a crime and a tort and why do courts treat those who commit crimes and torts differently? A crime is an offense against the public at large and is punishable by the courts, where as a tort, is a private wrong doing that injures a persons physical well-being , property or reputation. The courts treat criminal cases differently then tort cases because the objectives are different. The main goal of a criminal case is protect the public by by removing the offender from society if found guilty. In tort cases, the goal is to see if the tortfessor should have to pay damages to the inju