What is a public nuisance?

A public nuisance refers to an unreasonable interference with a right that is common to the general public. This typically involves actions or conditions that significantly impact an entire segment of the population, such as health hazards, pollution, or disturbances that affect the community at large.

The definition implies that a public nuisance is more than just a private annoyance; it necessitates that many individuals or a significant group are adversely affected. This contrasts with a private nuisance, which would concern just one individual or a specific property. The other options describe situations that do not encapsulate the broader reach or societal implications of a public nuisance. For instance, there are instances of nuisances that affect only one property, are temporary, or are minor issues that the public largely overlooks, which do not meet the criteria for being classified as a public nuisance. Therefore, the concept of a public nuisance inherently involves harm or disruption that is communal rather than isolated.