Legal Definitions - private wrong

A private wrong refers to a civil wrong or injury that primarily affects an individual or a specific group of individuals, rather than society as a whole. Unlike a crime, which is considered an offense against the state and is prosecuted by the government, a private wrong involves a dispute between private parties. The injured party typically initiates a lawsuit seeking compensation (known as "damages") or other remedies to correct the harm suffered. These types of wrongs are primarily addressed through civil law, such as contract law or tort law.

Here are some examples illustrating a private wrong:

• Breach of Contract: Imagine a freelance graphic designer who agrees to create a new logo and branding materials for a small startup by a specific deadline, as outlined in a signed contract. If the designer fails to deliver the work on time and without reasonable explanation, causing the startup to miss a crucial product launch date and lose potential early sales, this would be considered a private wrong. The harm (financial loss, missed opportunities) directly affects the startup, a private entity, due to the designer's failure to uphold their contractual obligations. The startup would likely sue the designer in civil court to recover damages for the losses incurred.

• Negligence Leading to Personal Injury: Consider a situation where a homeowner fails to properly secure a loose handrail on their porch, despite knowing it was unstable. A guest visiting their home leans on the handrail, which then gives way, causing the guest to fall and break their arm. This is a private wrong because the homeowner's negligence (failure to maintain a safe property) directly caused physical harm and medical expenses to an individual guest. The injured guest would file a civil lawsuit against the homeowner to seek compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

• Defamation: Suppose a former business partner intentionally spreads false and damaging rumors about a competitor's product quality to potential clients, leading to several clients canceling their orders and choosing the former partner's company instead. This act of defamation (spreading false statements that harm reputation) is a private wrong. The competitor's business, a private entity, has suffered direct financial and reputational harm due to the false statements. The competitor could sue the former business partner in civil court to recover lost profits and seek an injunction to stop the false statements.