Thread: Following someone.

Originally Posted by Kandahar

"Following someone" in what way? Walking behind them and going wherever they go? I would certainly feel threatened if someone did that to me.

Possibly, but the person could be trying to return your wallet or other personal item you dropped and didn't want to shout at you. I have actually had that happen to me.

Originally Posted by LaMidRighter

Possibly, but the person could be trying to return your wallet or other personal item you dropped and didn't want to shout at you. I have actually had that happen to me.

I actually had someone follow me in their car (I was driving too) to give me back my tobacco can which I had left ontop of my car until they were able to give it back to me. I drove about a mile before I stopped.

No context. No vote.

Originally Posted by Captain America

No context. No vote.

I kind of like the open nature of the question, too many times a situation becomes "case closed" and the initial action is focused on rather than the intent.

Originally Posted by Kal'Stang

Is following someone an aggressive act?

Simple question, simple answer.

I don't believe that it is. If it was then police would not be able to legally follow people. Investigators (PI's) would not legally be able to do it. Paparazzi would not be able to do it.

I think it can reasonably be considered an aggressive act by the one being followed.

Especially if one runs and the follower continues the following.

Then the followed would percieve it as being chased.

So no, in and of itself, but yes from the perspective of the followed.

Originally Posted by Kal'Stang

Is following someone an aggressive act?

Simple question, simple answer.

I don't believe that it is. If it was then police would not be able to legally follow people. Investigators (PI's) would not legally be able to do it. Paparazzi would not be able to do it.

It's not a simple yes or no, to me. If someone is following me at a walking pace, then I wouldn't consider it aggressive, but I might call the police because I would consider it suspicious, uncomfortable and potentially threatening. However, if someone is running after me, then yes, that type of following would be an aggressive act, period.

Originally Posted by Kal'Stang

Agreed. Yet they are allowed to do so.

It's legal, but how often do celebrities face criminal charges for attacking them?

Originally Posted by LaMidRighter

Stalking is definitely wrong, but that is an intent situation. Following in itself is not aggressive without intent, for instance if I am on my property and follow strangers off of it my intent is to let them understand that they are not welcome and I want them to respect my boundaries, following a strange looking individual may simply be to remain aware of the situation. However if someone continues to follow another after it has been stated they are not welcome to do so is absolutely aggressive.

Stalking is the intent to remain in contact when unwelcome in the most simple definition. Following to cause mental anguish or discomfort is harassment, and of course following to commit an attack is assault so it really boils down to the end goal.

I disagree that aggression in the case of following relies on intent. Using the definition of aggressive as "vigorously energetic, especially in the use of initiative and forcefulness," a person can be aggressive without intending to be and without devious intentions.

Originally Posted by ThePlayDrive

I disagree that aggression in the case of following relies on intent. Using the definition of aggressive as "vigorously energetic, especially in the use of initiative and forcefulness," a person can be aggressive without intending to be and without devious intentions.

I agree with that, I was more thinking back to CJUS behavioral classes back in college and going a little more on the legal end. Self defense starts when you feel threatened but it's limited to securing your person, but yes there are different levels of aggression and if someone is making another uncomfortable it could qualify.

Originally Posted by Kandahar

"Following someone" in what way? Walking behind them and going wherever they go? I would certainly feel threatened if someone did that to me.

Would you feel threatened enough, say early evening, in a very public place, to attack them without discussion of what was going on?

Originally Posted by LaMidRighter

Self defense starts when you feel threatened but it's limited to securing your person,

Robbery is a forcible felony, and can be met with lethal force under SYG in FL.