Legal Definitions - open lewdness

Open Lewdness refers to the act of engaging in indecent or sexually suggestive behavior in a public place, or in a private place where it is visible to the public, in a manner that is likely to offend others. It involves public displays of conduct considered obscene or morally offensive by community standards, often without the consent of those who witness it.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: A person intentionally exposes their genitals to passersby while sitting on a park bench during daylight hours.

  Explanation: This act is performed in a public space (a park) and is clearly indecent and sexually suggestive, violating community standards and likely offending those who witness it. The public nature and offensive content make it an act of open lewdness.

• Example 2: Two individuals engage in sexual intercourse in a vehicle parked on a busy street, visible to pedestrians and other drivers.

  Explanation: The act is overtly sexual and performed in a public location (a busy street) where it can be easily seen by the general public. This constitutes open lewdness due to its public and offensive nature, disregarding the sensibilities of those in the vicinity.

• Example 3: During a public festival, an individual performs a dance routine that involves explicit simulated sexual acts and partial nudity, in front of families and children.

  Explanation: While a performance, the explicit sexual nature, combined with partial nudity and being performed in a public space accessible to all ages, makes it an act of open lewdness. It violates public decency standards and is highly likely to cause offense to a significant portion of the audience.