Legal Definitions - real wrong

The phrase "real wrong" is not a distinct legal term with a separate, technical definition. Instead, it is an emphatic expression used to describe an action, omission, or situation that is unequivocally and significantly incorrect, unjust, or harmful from a legal, ethical, or moral standpoint. When something is described as a "real wrong," it suggests a clear, undeniable, and often serious transgression against established rules, duties, or principles, leaving little room for doubt or justification. It highlights the severity and obviousness of the wrongdoing.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of a "real wrong":

• Example 1: Deliberate Breach of Contract

  A software development company was hired to create a custom application for a client, with a contract specifying the delivery of certain features and performance standards. Despite receiving full payment, the company intentionally delivered a non-functional product that lacked most of the promised features and then refused to provide any support or refunds, effectively abandoning the project and the client's investment.

  Explanation: This is a "real wrong" because it involves a clear and deliberate failure to fulfill contractual obligations, a blatant disregard for the agreement, and the intentional delivery of a worthless product after receiving payment. The company's actions are an undeniable breach of their legal and ethical duties, causing significant financial harm to the client.

• Example 2: Reckless Disregard for Safety

  A landlord was repeatedly notified by tenants about a severe electrical hazard in a common area of an apartment building, including exposed wires and frequent sparks. Despite these warnings and local housing code requirements, the landlord ignored the issue for months to avoid repair costs. Eventually, the faulty wiring caused a fire, injuring a resident and damaging several units.

  Explanation: This constitutes a "real wrong" because the landlord knowingly and repeatedly neglected a serious safety hazard, demonstrating a reckless disregard for the well-being of the tenants and their property. The failure to act was a clear violation of their legal duty to maintain a safe living environment, directly leading to harm.

• Example 3: Intentional Misrepresentation in Sales

  A seller of antique furniture advertised a table as a genuine 18th-century piece, providing a forged certificate of authenticity and fabricating a provenance story. In reality, the table was a modern replica, and the seller was fully aware of this deception. A buyer, relying on these false claims, paid a substantial sum for the item.

  Explanation: This is a "real wrong" because it involves deliberate fraud and misrepresentation. The seller intentionally created and presented false information to deceive the buyer into making a purchase at an inflated price. Such actions are a clear violation of consumer protection laws and fundamental principles of honest commerce.