Halloween & the "Display of Lifestyles"

Haunted Horseman · Post by **Haunted Horseman** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 11:26 pm

Catzilla is right Wolfman. If he is not taking No for an answer, I would advise that it is time to get the law involved. No one has to put up with that type of sexual harrassment in our society, regardless of the <deleted> of the individuals involved. At least that's how it works under the laws of New Jersey. I really can't speak for your state, but can tell you that we have progess to the point where most states have adopted uniform codes in this regard. I would just give local law enforcement a call and explain the situation. They can give you some options, like a TRO, temporary Restraining Order, etc.

I B Howlin' Wolfman · Post by **I B Howlin' Wolfman** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 1:30 am

I've known this guy for 20 years. I'll have to tell him that if he doesn't lay off, I'll have to get the law involved. I'll give him one more chance to keep it roped in. If he likes me so much, he wouldn't want to be forced to stay away.

It's hard to do as I've known him since he graduated High School. We're both artists, and we have simular intrests in movies & music. But this has been going on for like 3 years, and when he told me about his "condition", it really hit me hard. He was my best friend for many years.

I can't just end a 20 year friendship without one last warning. After that, I'll get a court order.

We'll have to wait and see what he does at my party.

Cadaverino · Post by **Cadaverino** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 1:47 am

Florida law requires the perpetrator to be acting "maliciously".

Haunted Horseman · Post by **Haunted Horseman** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 11:12 am

Cad,
Does Wolfman live in Florida? I didn't know that. But anyway, this individual's conduct will become malicious once it has been made clear, in terms that a reasonable person would understand, that Wolfman is not interested in his advances.

Wolfman, my advice is be very explicit in telling him you are not interested and to end the harrassment. Don't beat around the bush. Keep detailed notes on any conversations you have with him, it could come in handy in the future should you have to go to the authorities. Finally, if you state law always it, I would also consider surreptitiously recording the conversations. Remember, you will have to prove you put him on sufficient notice to cease bothering you.

Hope this helps and I hope you can resolve the situation without taking it to a legal level.

I B Howlin' Wolfman · Post by **I B Howlin' Wolfman** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 11:57 am

They list several definitions, that discribe different levels of harassment.

Check out 1-a

(a) "Harass" means to engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that causes substantial emotional distress in such person and serves no legitimate purpose.

That's defining my situation.

Haunted Horseman · Post by **Haunted Horseman** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 12:49 pm

Yes, 1 (a) is the definition of the element Harass, but the prohibited behavior is under 2

2) Any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows, harasses, or cyberstalks another person commits the offense of stalking, a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in Ã‚Â§ 775.082 or Ã‚Â§ 775.083.

So, this guy must:

1. Willfully ( meaning purposely/intentionally)
and
2. maliciously ( meaning he was told not to or should have know he should not be going this)
and
3. Harasses ( the definition you posted)

It seems to me that you can prove all three elements of this offense. So your "friend" could be charged with the misdemeanor of Stalking. BTW, I hope this doesn't come across as being patronizing or pedantic, this is simply how I proved offenses when I briefly served as municipal prosecutor, by breaking down the law into elements of the offense and proving each.