An intentional tort is any deliberate interference with a legally recognized interest, such as the rights to bodily integrity, emotional tranquility, dominion over property, seclusion from public scrutiny, and freedom from confinement or deception. These interest are violated by the intentional tort of assault, battery, trespass, false imprisonment, invasion of privacy, conversion,misrepresentation, and fraud. The intent element of these torts is satisfied when the tortfeasor acts with the desire to bring about harmful consequences and is substantially certain that such consequences will follow. Mere reckless behavior, sometimes called willful(or)wanton behavior, dose not rise to the level of an intentional tort.
Under certain circumstances the law permits individuals to intentionally pursue a course of conduct that will necessarily result to harm to others. The harm that results from such conduct is said to be outweighed by more important interests. Self-preservation is one such interest and is embodied in the right of self-defense. Individuals may exert sufficient force in self-defense.