Discuss the meaning of the term damnum sine injuria.

In cases of damnum sine injuria, i.e., actual and substantial loss without infringement of any legal right, no action lies. Mere loss in money or money’s worth does not of itself constitute a tort. The most terrible harm may be inflicted by one man on another without legal redress being obtainable. There are many acts which, though harmful, are wrongful and give no right of action. “ Damnum” may be absque injuria. In Quinn v. Leathem, defendant set up a rival school next door to the plaintiff’s and boys from the plaintiff’s school flocked to defendant’s school. In this case, it was held that no action could be maintained. Competition is no ground of action whatever damage it may cause, provided nobody’s legal rights are infringed.


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