What can public wrongs in legal terms typically result in?

Public wrongs are offenses that are considered to harm society as a whole rather than just individual victims. When an individual commits a public wrong, such as a crime like theft, assault, or fraud, it is seen as a violation of societal norms and laws. This breach typically leads to criminal prosecution, as these wrongs are pursued by the state to maintain public order and safety.

In the criminal justice system, the government acts as the prosecuting party, seeking to impose penalties that may include imprisonment, fines, or other sanctions. This is distinct from civil matters where a private party may seek damages or specific performance in private forums. Thus, public wrongs fundamentally result in criminal prosecution because they threaten the community’s welfare and safety, necessitating a state response to enforce laws and discourage future offenses.