Legal Definitions - bystander

A bystander is an individual who observes an event or situation unfolding but does not actively participate or intervene in it. They are present at the scene and witness what occurs, but they remain an external observer rather than becoming directly involved in the actions or outcomes of the event.

• Example 1: Imagine a person sitting on a park bench, enjoying the afternoon. Across the park, a small group of children are playing soccer, and one child trips and falls, scraping their knee. The person on the bench sees the child fall, hears their cry, and watches as a parent rushes over to comfort them. However, the person on the bench does not get up, offer assistance, or interact with the child or parent.

  Explanation: The person on the bench is a bystander because they were present and witnessed the event (the child falling and being comforted) but did not become directly involved in it by offering help or intervention.

• Example 2: During a public city council meeting, a citizen in the audience observes a heated debate between two council members regarding a new zoning proposal. The citizen listens intently to both sides of the argument, understands the points being made, and forms an opinion, but they do not speak during the public comment period, interrupt the debate, or otherwise engage directly with the council members.

  Explanation: This citizen acts as a bystander. They are present at the event (the council meeting and debate) and aware of its details, but they choose not to participate actively in the discussion or decision-making process.

• Example 3: A customer is waiting in line at a grocery store checkout. They notice that the customer ahead of them is having trouble with their credit card, causing a delay. The customer behind observes the entire interaction between the struggling customer and the cashier, including the attempts to resolve the issue and the growing line. However, they do not offer advice, help, or express impatience to either party.

  Explanation: The customer in line is a bystander because they are present and witness the event (the payment issue and delay) but do not become directly involved by offering assistance, making comments, or otherwise intervening in the situation.