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