What is defined as a Public Assembly?

A Public Assembly is characterized as an assembly of 20 or more persons in a public place. This definition is rooted in the understanding that public assemblies are gatherings that occur in open spaces where individuals gather for purposes such as demonstrations, protests, or other forms of collective expression. The threshold of 20 or more persons is significant as it suggests a scale that may require public order considerations and potential police involvement for safety and regulation.

The criteria clarify that the assembly must take place in a public place, emphasizing the importance of accessibility to the general public and the potential impact on a wider community. In contrast, assemblies of smaller groups or those conducted strictly indoors may not garner the same need for oversight or notification to law enforcement due to their limited scope and potential for lower risk to public safety. Additionally, while gatherings at sporting events are a form of public assembly, they do not encapsulate the broader definition applicable to various forms of gatherings in public spaces outside of organized sports. Therefore, focusing on the number of participants and the location helps streamline the accurate identification of a public assembly in legal terms.