Which of the following is an example of a civil wrong?

Defamation is indeed a clear example of a civil wrong, often referred to as a tort. It occurs when one individual makes a false statement about another, resulting in damage to the latter's reputation. In civil law, the harmed party can seek compensation for the damages incurred due to the defamation. This legal framework emphasizes the protection of individuals' rights to their reputation and ensures that false statements, whether spoken (slander) or written (libel), are addressed through legal channels.

In contrast, while assault causing physical harm and homicide involve wrongful acts, they are classified as criminal offenses because they violate public laws designed to maintain societal order. Theft also falls into the category of a criminal act because it involves the unlawful taking of someone else's property, leading to prosecution by the state. Thus, defamation stands out as the example of a civil wrong because it primarily addresses the disputes between private individuals rather than concerns about public safety or criminal justice.