Legal Definitions - vandalism

Vandalism is the willful or malicious destruction, damage, or disfigurement of public or private property. It involves intentionally harming property without permission, and can also encompass damage caused by ignorance.

Vandalism refers to the intentional or reckless act of damaging, destroying, or defacing public or private property without the owner's permission. This unlawful act often demonstrates a disregard for the property's value or ownership, and can range from minor disfigurement to significant destruction.

• Example 1: A person spray-paints elaborate graffiti across the newly painted exterior wall of a local business during the night.

  Explanation: This is an act of vandalism because the individual deliberately defaced private property (the business wall) without authorization, causing damage that requires professional cleaning and repainting to restore.

• Example 2: After a sporting event, an upset fan intentionally kicks and shatters the glass panel of a bus stop shelter.

  Explanation: This constitutes vandalism as the fan willfully destroyed public property (the bus stop shelter) that is maintained for community use, necessitating costly repairs and posing a safety hazard.

• Example 3: During a party, a guest deliberately carves their initials into an antique wooden table belonging to the host.

  Explanation: This is an act of vandalism because the guest intentionally damaged and disfigured private property (the antique table) without permission, diminishing its aesthetic and monetary value.