Legal Definitions - bystander

Definition: A bystander is someone who is present at an event but does not get involved in it.

Examples:

• During a fight at school, some students stood by and watched as others got hurt. These students were bystanders.
• At a car accident, people who stop to watch but do not offer any help are considered bystanders.
• During a robbery, someone who is in the store but does not try to stop the robber is a bystander.

These examples illustrate how a bystander is someone who witnesses an event but does not take part in it. Bystanders can sometimes feel unsure of what to do or may not want to get involved for fear of getting hurt. However, it is important to remember that bystanders can play a crucial role in preventing harm by reporting the event to authorities or finding a safe way to intervene.