Legal Definitions - indecent exposure

Indecent exposure refers to the act of intentionally displaying one's private body parts, typically genitals, in a public place or in a manner clearly visible to the public. For an act to be considered indecent exposure, the display must occur under circumstances where a reasonable person would likely be offended, shocked, or alarmed. Crucially, the person exposing themselves must have acted willfully, meaning they knew or should have known their actions would be seen by others and would cause offense. This offense is generally classified as a misdemeanor in most jurisdictions.

Here are some examples illustrating indecent exposure:

• Example 1: A person attending a crowded outdoor concert suddenly drops their pants and exposes their genitals to the audience while standing on a raised platform.

  Explanation: This scenario illustrates indecent exposure because the individual willfully displayed their private parts in a highly public setting (a crowded concert) where they were clearly visible to many people. A reasonable person in the audience would undoubtedly find such an act offensive and alarming, fulfilling the criteria for an indecent manner and causing affront.

• Example 2: An individual stands naked in front of a large, uncovered window in their ground-floor apartment, which directly faces a busy public sidewalk and park during daylight hours, making no attempt to conceal themselves.

  Explanation: Even though the person is inside their own home, this could be considered indecent exposure because they are intentionally positioned in a way that makes their private parts clearly visible from a public area (the sidewalk and park). The act is willful, and a reasonable person walking by would likely be offended or alarmed by the unexpected public display, meeting the legal definition.

• Example 3: While at a public swimming pool, an adult intentionally removes their swimsuit bottom and walks around the pool deck for several minutes, exposing their genitals to other swimmers and families present.

  Explanation: This situation demonstrates indecent exposure as the individual deliberately exposed their private parts in a public recreational area. The act is willful and wrongful, and it is highly likely to cause offense or alarm to other pool users, including children and their parents, fulfilling the elements of the definition.