A tort whereby the tortfeasor creates a nuisance or otherwise interferes with the public welfare or convenience to use public property. It may be an action which affects the health, safety and welfare of more than one person – such as the public at large. For example, dumping toxic chemicals into the waterfront of a popular beach or the emission of fumes from a factory which does not dissipate and impacts an adjoining town. Contrast a public nuisance to a private nuisance, which affects an individual person or party.
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Law Dictionary » P » PUBLIC NUISANCE