Legal Definitions - vandalism

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.