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Simple English definitions for legal terms
loiter
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A quick definition of loiter:
Term: Loiter
Definition: Loiter means to hang around or stay in one place without any particular reason or purpose. It is not necessarily a bad thing, but some laws prohibit loitering in certain areas or under certain circumstances. For example, in Florida, it is against the law to loiter in a way that causes concern for the safety of people or property nearby. In New York, it is illegal to loiter with the intention of using or possessing drugs.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: To be slow or lazy, delay, linger, saunter, and to idle. It does not necessarily mean something bad or criminal, except when it is defined as such in criminal laws. Loitering laws prohibit lingering in a public area without a purpose.
- In Florida, it is illegal to loiter or prowl in a place, at a time or in a manner not usual for law-abiding individuals, under circumstances that warrant a justifiable and reasonable alarm or immediate concern for the safety of persons or property in the vicinity.
- In New York, a person is guilty of loitering in the first degree when they loiter or remain in any place with one or more persons for the purpose of unlawfully using or possessing a controlled substance.
These examples illustrate how loitering laws can be used to prevent criminal activity. In Florida, the law is designed to prevent people from lingering in a way that could cause alarm or concern for safety. In New York, the law is aimed at preventing drug use or possession in public places.