New York Private Investigator Regulations Practice Exam

What action does 'jostling' refer to in a legal context?

1. Interfering with a conversation in a public place

2. Unnecessarily crowding against a person to place a hand near their pocket

3. Encouraging a group discussion

4. Deliberating in a noise-free environment

The correct answer is: Unnecessarily crowding against a person to place a hand near their pocket

In a legal context, 'jostling' specifically refers to the act of crowding against or bumping into a person in a way that creates an opportunity to pickpocket or otherwise violate their personal space. This definition aligns closely with the idea of using physical presence to stealthily place a hand near someone’s pocket with the intent to steal or commit another crime. It often involves a deliberate action to distract or obstruct the victim while facilitating theft. The other options do not accurately reflect the legal connotation of 'jostling.' For example, interfering with a conversation in a public place does not involve the physical contact or intent to commit an illegal act that characterizes jostling. Similarly, encouraging a group discussion and deliberating in a noise-free environment do not imply any physical interaction or opportunistic behavior that defines the act of jostling within the legal framework.