Indecent Exposure

Act of Indecent Exposure
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Act of Indecent Exposure
Indecent exposure is the intentional display of one’s body or body part to the public. The displayed body part is contrary to the recognized, normal and acceptable standards of behavior and morals of that particular community’s public.
For exposure to be considered indecent there must be an intent to alarm, annoy, shock or insult the public and should be done for the gratification of the offender. For example, a woman breastfeeding a baby in public is not considered indecent exposure because of the intention and the public is not alarmed by this act.
Indecent exposure varies from community to community. An act considered indecent in the strict Asian and Arab countries may not be so in Europe and the Americas. For most of the communities, intentional public display of one’s genitals is considered indecent exposure. Not all communities and countries have legislated laws and rules governing indecent exposure. Those that have such laws differ in setting, prosecution and penalties for conviction in indecent exposure behavior. In most cases the conviction to indecent exposure behavior or act results to imprisonment not exceeding three years, a fine or both. Repeated acts of indecent exposure may result in severe punishment and in most cases is considered a criminal offense or felony.
Determining what is considered indecent exposure depends on different variables and settings. Therefore, the proof of indecency or otherwise will depend on the audience, community rules and whether the exposure is intended to and annoys or disturbs the public at that instance. For example, sunbathing in beach wear, little or no clothes in a beach where there are no rules against nudity is very unlikely to constitute indecent exposure.
References
Daniel, E. Hall. (2011). Criminal law and procedure, (6th Ed.) . Stamford, Connecticut: Cengage Learning, 2011.
Find law. Indecent exposure. Retrieved March 17, 2014. Retrieved from http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-charges/indecent-exposure.html
Richard, A. Posner, Katherine, B. Silbaugh. (Ed.). (1996). Guide to Americas’ Sex Laws. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.

References: Daniel, E. Hall. (2011). Criminal law and procedure, (6th Ed.) . Stamford, Connecticut: Cengage Learning, 2011. Find law. Indecent exposure. Retrieved March 17, 2014. Retrieved from http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-charges/indecent-exposure.html Richard, A. Posner, Katherine, B. Silbaugh. (Ed.). (1996). Guide to Americas’ Sex Laws. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.