It Is Your Legal Right To Wear Low-Hanging Pants
LatestA NYC guy issued a summons for wearing his pants low has been cleared because, says Judge Ruben Franco, “the Constitution still leaves some opportunity for people to be foolish if they so desire.”
The judge suggests in his decision that the cop, whose summons accused Julio Martinez of having “his pants down below his buttocks exposing underwear [and] potentially showing private parts,” was “an attempt by one police officer to show his displeasure with a particular style of dress.” Judge Franco continued, “While most of us may consider it distasteful, and indeed foolish, to wear one’s pants so low as to expose the underwear . . . people can dress as they please, wear anything, so long as they do not offend public order and decency.”
Although other courts around the country have disagreed, banning low pants, this seems to be the final word on the subject in New York. Where, in fairness, Gaga roams free — with no pants in evidence and at far greater risk of causing a public disturbance.