Is there a law the prohibits a group of people hanging out (loitering)?

Question

when you see a group of kids (6 or more) just hanging out on a street corner, somebody told me that the police could make them move on or that it is actually againts the law...is this true?

Answer 1

depends, some places have injunctions that prohibit suspected gangmembers from associating. Take Oxnard,CA for example,anyone wearing Dallas Cowboys attire can be harrassed because the gang there is the colonia chiques boys, they buy Cowboys attire, take the W out so it says "Co-boys, for colonia boys.crazy huh

Answer 2

Usually there is an ordinance against loitering on public property and premises open to the public. Business owners do not want a bunch of creeps with nothing to do, hanging around their business location. Usually with good reason.

Answer 3

yes it is especially in groups. If someone wanted to get technical about it there are laws against "unlawful assembly" which would need a permit for the gathering.

Answer 4

yes, in a lot of communities, they have set up anti-gang laws, which are so over-reaching that a group of kids can't even hang out and do something wholesome.

Answer 5

Yes in some cities it's the law and I think a good one.

Answer 6

well thats a tough one, yes it is technically loitering, however they have to be bothering people, making a disterbence, and it has to be more than one person complaining usually, hope this helps

Answer 7

In Michigan, if there is a posted sign saying No Loitering, then it's illegal...

Answer 8

there are laws like that- but you could claim its violating your constitutional rights and try and overturn it. some have, many just say 'whatever' and move on