Legal Definitions - voyeur

A voyeur is a person who observes something without participating. Legally, it specifically refers to an individual who gains pleasure by secretly watching another person's genitals or sexual acts.

A voyeur is an individual who secretly observes another person, typically in a private situation where that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, and often for the purpose of sexual gratification. This act of observation is done without the observed person's knowledge or consent, and can constitute a criminal offense in many jurisdictions.

• Example 1: Hidden Camera in a Private Space

  Imagine a scenario where a gym employee secretly installs a miniature camera in the women's changing room, positioning it to record individuals as they change clothes. The employee then reviews these recordings for personal gratification.

  Explanation: The employee is acting as a voyeur because they are secretly observing individuals in a private area (the changing room) where there is a clear expectation of privacy, and doing so without the individuals' knowledge or consent, often for an illicit purpose.

• Example 2: Peeping Through a Residential Window

  Consider a person who routinely hides in the bushes outside a neighbor's bedroom window late at night, using binoculars to watch the neighbor move about their private space, including when they are undressing or engaging in other private activities.

  Explanation: This individual is engaging in voyeurism by secretly observing another person within their private residence, a place where privacy is strongly expected, and without the neighbor's consent or awareness.

• Example 3: Unauthorized Drone Surveillance

  A hobbyist drone operator flies a camera-equipped drone close to the windows of a high-rise apartment building, specifically maneuvering the drone to peer into residents' living rooms and bedrooms, recording their activities without their knowledge.

  Explanation: The drone operator is acting as a voyeur because they are using technology to secretly observe individuals in their private homes, violating their expectation of privacy and doing so without their consent.