Also known as:specially-aggrieved · particularized injury · aggrieved party
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A status required for standing to challenge certain governmental or administrative actions, particularly in land-use disputes, when a party has suffered a particularized injury distinct from that shared by the general public.
Sources & Authorities
How it applies
Common Examples
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Residents Challenge Expanded Shipping Lanes
Santiago Sanchez and other long-time residents of a coastal town sue the Department of the Interior over its approval of expanded shipping lanes. They assert only a broad interest in safe navigation and lawful maritime planning without alleging any specific interference with their property, livelihood, or recreational activities. The court dismisses the suit because their claimed injury constitutes a generalized grievance shared equally by all citizens rather than a particularized harm.
Neighbor Objects to Zoning Variance
Sophia Singh owns property adjacent to a proposed development site and petitions the zoning board for review of a variance granted to the developer. Her petition demonstrates that the variance will directly impair her property's value and quiet enjoyment through increased traffic and loss of open space. The board grants her standing because her injury is particular to her land interest and not merely a general concern shared by the community at large.
Put it into practice
Test Yourself
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Practice Questions3
· 16 primary sources
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Cases
Statutes
Uniform Acts
Model Codes
Restatements
Hornbooks
Common questions
Frequently Asked
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What distinguishes a specially aggrieved party from one who is merely generally aggrieved?+
A specially aggrieved party must demonstrate a particularized injury that affects them in a personal and individual way, such as harm to their own property interest. A generally aggrieved party asserts only an abstract interest in lawful government action shared equally by all citizens, which is insufficient for standing.
Supporting sources
Does ownership of the property at issue automatically make a person specially aggrieved?+
Yes. The owner of the property that is the subject of the dispute qualifies as specially aggrieved, as do co-owners, option holders, contract vendees, and contract vendors. Subsequent purchasers and certain mortgagees or long-term lessees also ordinarily satisfy the requirement.
Supporting sources
Can Congress create standing for a specially aggrieved party through a citizen-suit provision?+
No. Even when Congress authorizes citizen suits, plaintiffs must still show a concrete and particularized injury. A statutory grant of standing cannot override Article III limits when the asserted harm remains a generalized grievance shared by the public at large.
Supporting sources
ContractsRemedies · Remedies under the UCCNEXTGENIntermediate