Legal Definitions - loitering

Definition: Loitering is when someone is physically present in a certain area without any clear reason or purpose. This is often seen as suspicious behavior and can be illegal in some cases.

Example 1: A group of teenagers hanging out in front of a convenience store for hours without buying anything.

Example 2: A person standing on a street corner for a long time, watching people pass by but not doing anything else.

Both of these examples illustrate loitering because the people involved are not engaging in any specific activity or purpose. This behavior can be seen as suspicious or threatening, especially if it happens repeatedly in the same area. Laws against loitering are often used to prevent criminal activity and maintain safety in public spaces.