Indecent Exposure

Abstract

This chapter considers the flip side of voyeurism—namely, indecent exposure, or exhibitionism. Whereas in voyeurism, the offender views his victim’s private activities without her consent, in indecent exposure, he subjects her to his own intimate activities. The interests and rights at stake in the two offenses are thus complementary. This chapter argues that criminal sanctions for indecent exposure are ultimately justified not on the basis of its harms, which are relatively minor, but rather on the basis of its tendency to cause offense. Unlike incest and sadomasochistic assault, which are usually performed in private, indecent exposure is normally committed in public and specifically intended to cause shock, distress, or disgust. On the other hand, some exhibitionists will have legitimate reasons for exposing themselves. They may be engaging in political protest, participating in an artistic endeavor, communing with nature, or exploring sensual pleasure. The chapter suggests that under liberal principles, the law of indecent exposure should be applied only to the most egregious and offensive sorts of exposure for which there is no legitimate justification.