Public Nuisance

Pronunciation: PUB-lik NOO-sunts

Torts › Nuisance

Definition

Unreasonable interference with right common to general public. Affects community at large, not just individual property owners. Examples: blocking public road, polluting public water, maintaining dangerous conditions. Private party can sue only if suffers special injury different in kind from general public. Usually involves criminal violation or public health/safety threat.

Related terms

• Private Nuisance — Substantial and unreasonable interference with another's use and enjoyment of land. Requires showing interference is intentional and unreasonable,…
• Trespass to Land — Intentional physical invasion of another's real property without permission. Requires only intent to enter the land, not intent…
• Strict Liability — Liability without fault. Defendant is liable regardless of intent or negligence if they engage in certain abnormally dangerous…

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