Legal Definitions - lewd

When someone behaves in a way that is indecent, obscene, or sexual, it is called lewd. This term is often used in laws that deal with pornography, prostitution, and other sexual activities.

• In New York, a person can be charged with public lewdness if they intentionally expose their private parts in public or commit any other sexual act in public or in private where they can be easily seen.
• In California, it is a felony to engage in any sexual act with a child under the age of 14 with the intention of arousing sexual desires.
• In Massachusetts, any place where prostitution or sexual activities occur is considered a nuisance.

These examples show how lewd behavior is defined and punished by law. They illustrate that any sexual act or behavior that is considered indecent or obscene can be considered lewd and can result in legal consequences.