Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Definition: Vagrancy is when someone wanders from place to place without a home, job, or way to support themselves. It is considered a way of living rather than just one action. Sometimes, even one suspicious action can be enough to be considered vagrancy. However, many laws against vagrancy have been declared too unclear to be enforced. Vagrancy used to be a crime in most states, but not anymore.
Vagrantism is the state or condition of wandering from place to place without a home, job, or means of support. It is a way of living rather than a single act.
For example, if someone is found wandering around at night, creeping up on parked cars and their occupants, with the intention of committing a crime, it can be considered as vagrantism.
Vagrancy has been defined and made punishable by law. Until recently, it was a misdemeanor in most states.
Loitering is similar to vagrantism, but it refers to the act of lingering or hanging around a public place without any apparent purpose.
In summary, vagrantism is a socially harmful condition or mode of life that results from misconduct and is punishable by law.