In Scientology a more precise definition arose. And the definition became as well the true definition of an overt act. This would include one's family, one's group or team and mankind as a whole. Thus, a wrong action is wrong to the degree that it harms the greatest number. A right action is right to the degree that it benefits the greatest number.
Many people think that an action is an overt simply because it is destructive.
To them all destructive actions or omissions are overt acts. This is not true. For an act of commission or omission to be an overt act it must harm the greater number of people and areas of life. A failure to destroy can be, therefore, an overt act. Assistance to something that would harm a greater number can also be an overt act.