Legal Definitions - Vagrancy

Definition: Roaming from place to place without a permanent job, home, or material resources. Many laws that target vagrancy have been declared invalid for being too vague and violating due process.

Illustrative caselaw:

• Papachristou v. City of Jacksonville, 405 U.S. 156 (1972)

Example: A person who has no fixed address and travels from city to city, sleeping on the streets and begging for money, is considered a vagrant.

Explanation: This example illustrates the definition of vagrancy because the person is constantly moving and does not have a permanent home or job. They rely on begging for money to survive, which is a common characteristic of vagrants. However, it is important to note that being a vagrant is not a crime in itself, and laws that target vagrancy must be specific and not violate due process.