Loitering in Terms of the Criminal Law

Write 5 pages with APA style on Loitering in Terms of the Criminal Law. The assignment “Loitering in Terms of the Criminal Law” talks about the first amendment of the constitution that refers to the loitering and protects the due process clause “freedom to loiter for innocent purposes”.

In enactment of the ordinance proscribing loitering, it was intended that gangs were prevented from possessing dominion, over the public streets. Liability will only set in if an individual disobeys an order by a law enforcement officer, to disperse when asked to. As per the ordinance, the police have a duty of care to the residents, of maintaining peace and dispersing groups of individuals who inhibit it. Individuals must be protected from these gangs, as they induce fear to the extent that they are forced to remain indoors. In addition, they should be protected from threats, by these persons, which remain in one place without an apparent purpose, as they watch the residents’ movements and attack them at an opportune time.

The USA Patriot Act was established, to curb and punish acts of terrorism and enhance law enforcement. Initially, the act dealt with international terrorism acts. However, domestic terrorism was added to the definition of terrorism. As provided in section 802 of the act. Any act that endangered human life, was a form of domestic terrorism. Despite criticisms on the provisions of the act, it provided determent against terrorism at the best interest of the citizens, if the terrorists actions, were intended to guide government’s policy, by intimidation or coercion.