What does it mean to loiter? Not to be confused with “lounging,” loitering is a legal term that covers lingering in a public space without a legitimate purpose. It typically has a negative connotation associated with it, such as illegal activities like vandalism as well as safety concerns.
Real-Life Examples of Loitering
For example, one might get arrested for loitering if they are found hanging out on a street corner or in an alley, without any reason for being there. Similarly, if someone is caught hiding in a dark corner of a public place, and unable to provide any explanation for their presence, it can be considered loitering and is likely to draw attention from passers-by and law enforcement.
The Legality of Loitering
The legality of loitering changes depending on local laws and geographic location. Generally speaking, police have the authority to question people who loiter in public spaces and make arrests for loitering if it is done in an unlawful manner. It’s important to note that loitering laws are different from trespassing laws, and loitering can generally only occur in public places, not private ones.
The Definition of Loitering
Loitering is defined as staying in a certain place for a longer period than necessary with the apparent intent of awaiting the opportunity to commit any crime. It is not a crime in and of itself, though, so people must show intent to commit a crime before they can be arrested for it.
The Takeaway
Loitering is an important legal concept to understand, and is typically used in law enforcement scenarios. It is not a crime in and of itself, but can be coupled with intent to commit a crime to take action against a suspect. It is important to keep in mind that different jurisdictions have different laws regarding loitering, so it is always important to be aware of the law in your area.