I've been curious about the rationality of the public drunkenness laws. If one is drunk in a bar are they at risk for arrest while in the bar? Afterall it is a public place patronized by the public. How about the walk home on the public sidewalk or to the car parked on a public street, of course accompanied by the designated driver? How about a beer party at your crib with some public figure guests?
PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS Section 5505 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code (Title 18)
A person is guilty of a summary offense if he appears in any public place manifestly under the influence of alcohol... to the degree that he may endanger himself or other persons or property, or annoy persons in his vicinity.Penalty
1st Offense
Fine
0-$300
Jail
0-90 days
Perhaps it's not such a bad law.
That "annoy" subclause caught my attention. I for one am very "annoyed" by some folks when they are stone cold sober whether in private or public.
No comments:
Post a Comment