Legal Definitions - harm

Harm, in legal terms, refers to any form of injury, loss, or damage experienced by an individual, their property, or the broader community. It represents a detriment or disadvantage that can manifest in various ways, from physical injury to financial loss or a negative impact on societal well-being.

• Example 1 (Physical Injury): A pedestrian slips on an unmarked wet floor in a grocery store, breaking their wrist and requiring surgery and rehabilitation.

  This is an example of physical harm, specifically bodily harm, as the pedestrian suffered a direct, tangible injury to their body, resulting in pain, impairment, and medical expenses.

• Example 2 (Property Damage): A tenant accidentally leaves a faucet running overnight, causing significant water damage to the apartment below, including ruined ceilings and flooring.

  This illustrates harm to property, where tangible assets (the building structure and finishes) sustained damage, diminishing their value and requiring costly repairs.

• Example 3 (Societal Impact): A group of individuals engages in a large-scale identity theft scheme, compromising the personal data of thousands of citizens, leading to financial fraud and a widespread erosion of trust in online security systems.

  This demonstrates social harm, as the criminal activity not only caused direct financial and emotional distress to individual victims but also had an adverse effect on broader societal interests, such as public confidence in data security and the integrity of financial systems, which are protected by criminal law.