Any claim arising out of an intentional tort, including assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest, intentional mental distress, malicious prosecution. False imprisonment is an intentional tort and that means you can sue for compensation.False imprisonment occurs when a person intentionally and illegally restrains another person's ability to move freely. False imprisonment is an act punishable under criminal law as well as under tort law. Under tort law, it is classified as an intentional tort. We created this guide of false imprisonment tort examples to illustrate what this grievous wrong looks like in real life. Separate from the criminal offense, Massachusetts courts also recognize civil actions for false imprisonment. A tort case in Massachusetts is a legal claim or action against a civil wrong. The disposition of a criminal case may affect the criminal defendant in later civil litigation. Frivolous or vexatious litigation is when one party in a case files complaints and motions to harass or abuse the other party.