How is "nuisance" defined in tort law?

In tort law, "nuisance" is defined as an unreasonable interference with a person's use and enjoyment of their property. This definition covers situations where an individual's enjoyment or use of property is disrupted by the actions of another, which can manifest in various ways, such as noise, odors, or other disturbances that do not physically invade the property.

The concept emphasizes the reasonableness of the interference; if the interference is deemed unreasonable in light of the circumstances, it may give rise to liability. This is a key distinction that helps separate nuisance from other torts that may involve different standards or types of harm.

While legal interference or physical invasion may be related concepts, they do not fully capture the nuance of what constitutes a nuisance in this context. Unlike a crime involving property damage, nuisance typically pertains to civil disputes regarding one party's actions affecting another's enjoyment of their property rather than criminal activity. Thus, the focus on "unreasonable interference" with property enjoyment encapsulates the essence of nuisance in tort law.