Wrongfulness

Wrongfulness is the state or quality of being morally or legally incorrect; the violation of a right or law; the characteristic of actions or omissions that are deemed unjust, unlawful, or not in accordance with accepted standards of behavior. It encompasses the inherent blameworthiness or culpability associated with conduct that causes harm, offense, or violates societal expectations. It is often a key element in establishing liability for damages in legal contexts and reflects the breach of a duty owed to others. It also represents a fundamental aspect of moral philosophy, evaluating the goodness or badness of actions.

Wrongfulness meaning with examples

• The court examined the wrongfulness of the company's deceptive advertising practices, which misled consumers and caused financial harm. Evidence of intent was critical to establishing the wrongfulness of the action, highlighting how knowledge was a factor. The judge concluded the firm's conduct displayed wrongfulness, requiring significant penalties.
• The debate centered around the wrongfulness of government surveillance programs that infringed upon citizens' privacy rights. Critics highlighted the wrongfulness of the intrusion, focusing on the lack of reasonable suspicion and the broad scope of the data collected, underlining the societal impact.
• She argued about the wrongfulness of the punishment and the extent of the damage caused, particularly given the circumstances of the crime. Her testimony focused on the wrongfulness of the actions and appealed to the jury's sense of justice, pushing for a fairer outcome.
• The philosopher explored the wrongfulness of lying and deception and its impact on building a just society. Her lecture covered the wrongfulness of unethical business practices and their effect on stakeholder trust, prompting audience reflections.
• The activist protested the wrongfulness of the war, emphasizing the immense human suffering it caused, and the impact of the wrongfulness that resulted in so much loss. Their appeal targeted societal and political structures, urging accountability and an end to hostilities.