Peeping Toms
...er house. When she presented the authorities with the information, she learned that a law against video voyeurism did not exist. In fact, video voyeurism was not even considered a crime. Her stalker was faced with only minor consequences dealing with unauthorized entry into her home. Therefore, Wilson became a video voyeurism activist and went on a crusade to expose this scandalous activity. Susan Wilson’s strong opinions toward this invasion of privacy caused her to address lawmakers. She convinced Louisiana to pass strict laws against video voyeurism. Louisiana’s law states that “No person may perform any acts that would make him a Peeping Tom while on or about another person’s property. Nor can any person go upon such person’s premises for the purpose of becoming a Peeping Tom. A Peeping Tom is one who peeps through windows, doors, or other like places on someone else’s property to spy or invade that person’s privacy without consent”(“Video Voyeurs”). Only eighteen states besides Louisiana have adopted laws against video voyeurism. Many of those state’s laws are not near as broad in scope as Louisiana’s law. Connecticut only “prohibits video surveillance in employee locker rooms and restrooms” while New York only “prohibits concealed cameras in fitting rooms” (“Video Voyeurs”). What if “peeping toms” in Connecticut and New York chose to visually stalk their victim within a home? Are the invaders left without consequence? As well as minuscule voyeurism laws, there are also laws which are too brief and open for interpretation. Michigan’s law against voyeurism “prohibits video surveillance in private places” (“Video Voyeurs”). What places are considered private in Michigan? There are many questions regarding the definition of privacy. The phrase “private places” is extremely unclear and undefined. Some states have chosen to erase the vagueness and explicitly state places which are considered to be private. Illinois’s recently developed law against video voyeurism states “it is unlawful to videotape another without their consent in various places such as restrooms, tanning beds, changing rooms, hotel bedrooms, and their home” (“New Frontiers of Stalking-Video Voyeurism”). The crime of video voyeurism needs to be clearly addressed in all state legal systems. With the advent of new technology, it is becoming increasingly difficult to stop video voyeurism. Although some states have adopted laws against video voyeurism, it is becoming increasingly difficult to enforce these laws. Video surveillance equipment is very affordable, accessible, easy to obtai...