Legal Definitions - public nuisance

A public nuisance is any behavior or activity that interferes with the rights of the general public. The exact definition of public nuisance can vary depending on the state, but it is typically outlined in both civil and criminal laws.

• In California, public nuisance includes anything that is harmful to health, indecent, offensive to the senses, obstructs the free use of property, or unlawfully blocks the use of public spaces.
• In North Dakota, public nuisance affects an entire community or neighborhood or a significant number of people, even if the extent of the annoyance or damage is not equal.
• In Montana, public nuisance includes conduct that endangers safety or health, is offensive to the senses, obstructs the free use of property, or involves premises where people gather to engage in illegal activities.

These examples illustrate how public nuisance can take many forms, from pollution to illegal activities. The common thread is that the behavior or activity interferes with the rights of the general public, rather than just one individual or a small group of people.