Is vagrancy illegal in Rhode Island? Also, what is the exact definition of this?

Question

My sons friend was arrested for vagrancy. He is 14. What is this?

Answer 1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vagrancy_(people)

Sec. 3: They shall receive, in accordance with rules by them established, such children as may be declared vagrant, neglected and dependent on the public for support, as provided in this act, who are over three and under fourteen years of age, and who are in suitable condition of mind and body to be instructed; for exceptional reasons, children under three years may be received, should the board deem it advisable. No children shall be retained in the institution who are of unsound mind, or who may be considered by the board improper inmates; and all children admitted shall remain until they are sixteen years of age, unless otherwise ordered by the board.

http://www.ric.edu/statehomeandschool/resourcesChapter418.html

Answer 2

Vagrancy is an old term that has to do with having no visable means of support. I take it this lad was a runaway or living on the street and had no job. This is actually a very oppressive law used to clean up street where these persons are too visable.

Answer 3

I did a search of the Rhode Island Statutes:
http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/Statutes.html
(Click on the SEARCH button at the top of this page)

I found nothing under "vagrancy" and only found one thing under "vagrant."

" § 14-4-2 Receipt and care of children – Release or return to other custodial authority. – The department of children, youth, and families shall receive, in accordance with the rules established by it, any children that may be declared vagrant, truant, neglected, or dependent on the public for support, pursuant to this chapter, who are under eighteen (18) years of age, and who are in a suitable condition of mind to be instructed, and may release or discharge any child from its care and custody to the child's relatives or others whenever the director of the department is satisfied that the object of the commitment has been accomplished and conditions appertaining to the child are deemed to justify the release or discharge. Any child who shall be found by the director to be of unsound mind, or who may be considered by the director an improper inmate of the institution, shall be immediately returned by the department to the custodial authority from whom the child was received, who are hereby required to receive the child. "

I'd suggest going to a local library and checking this section of the Rhode Island Statutes for further information. The part above that states, "The department of children, youth, and families shall receive, in accordance with the rules established by it," implies (to me) that a definition of vagrant might be found under the Administrative Regulations of the Department of Children, Youth and Families. In most states there is a separate set of books normally "Administrative Regulations." The sections of the book are arranged by Department. You should be able to locate this set too. Ask a librarian for help if you can't figure this out.

My best to you

Bill