What defines a criminal wrong?

A criminal wrong is defined as a public wrong because it typically involves actions that are against the state or society as a whole rather than just a private individual. In legal terms, criminal laws are in place to protect the public interest, maintaining order and ensuring that individuals do not harm others or engage in behavior that threatens the safety and welfare of the community.

When someone commits a criminal act, it is considered an offense not only to the specific victim but to society at large, warranting prosecution by the government. This contrasts with private harms, which are typically addressed through civil law and involve disputes between private parties. Contractual violations relate to breaches of agreements between individuals or businesses, while intentional injury focuses on the specific intent to harm an individual, which is a component of tort law rather than criminal law. Therefore, the defining characteristic of a criminal wrong lies in its nature as a public concern, justifying the state's involvement in prosecution and punishment.