Opinion ID: 901521
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Legitimate Purpose

Text: [¶16.] Liechti, however, points out that the definition of harass also requires that the offending conduct serve no legitimate purpose. Liechti argues that his conduct served a legitimate purpose because he was concerned about the children driving four-wheelers in violation of the law. However, we believe that even if the children had violated the law, Liechti's surveillance of the children through binoculars while they were swimming, while they were in a tree house, and on other occasions was not related to his purported concern of ensuring compliance with South Dakota's motor vehicle laws. Moreover, he had no right to assume the role of law enforcement and create dangerous situations by chasing the children in his pickup. Rather, Liechti's remedy was to take his concerns and complaints to the police or other public officials responsible for enforcement of the law.