What defines Stalking under MCL 750.411h?

The definition of stalking under MCL 750.411h is characterized by the presence of two or more acts of unconsented contact. This legal standard emphasizes the importance of recurrent behavior, as a single instance may not constitute stalking. The requirement for multiple acts underscores the pattern of unwanted attention or harassment that is typically associated with stalking behavior.

In this context, unconsented contact refers to interactions that the victim has not agreed to or welcomed. This can include various forms of communication or encounters that cause the victim to feel fear or emotional distress. The law is designed to address a serious concern, that is, the cumulative effect of repeated unwanted behavior, which can lead to increased anxiety, fear, and other emotional impacts on the victim.

Other options, while they may describe behaviors that could be associated with stalking, do not capture the legal definition as clearly as the correct choice. For instance, ongoing communication via social media might be one avenue through which unconsented contact occurs, but it does not encompass the broader definition established in law. Similarly, simply following someone in public areas does not necessarily constitute stalking unless it is part of a pattern of unconsented contact. Witnessing repeated unwanted contact describes an observation rather than a legal enactment of what constitutes