united-states traffic
Is it legal to damage a vehicle that drives through a crosswalk while you&#39;re in it?
<p>If a vehicle travels through a crosswalk while a pedestrian is in the crosswalk (assuming the law in the applicable jurisdiction states that a vehicle must stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk), is it legal for the pedestrian to damage the vehicle, e.g. by hitting it with a part of his or her body or some other implement?</p>

<p>It seems to me there's a fine line distinguishing between a circumstance where the vehicle hits the person and one where the person hits the vehicle, and it would seem that the law would favor the pedestrian.</p>

<p>No, it is generally not legal. In most (maybe all) states, this would be vandalism. For example, see California Penal Code Section 594(1)(a):</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Every person who maliciously commits any of the following
  acts with respect to any real or personal property not his or her
  own, in cases other than those specified by state law, is guilty of
  vandalism:</p>
  
  <p>(1) Defaces with graffiti or other inscribed material.</p>
  
  <p>(2) Damages.</p>
  
  <p>(3) Destroys.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>For another example, see <a href="http://law.justia.com/codes/kansas/2014/chapter-21/article-58/section-21-5813/">Kansas Statutes 21-5813</a>.</p>

<p>In your hypothetical, the pedestrian absolutely hit the vehicle, not the other way around, so the "fine line" you mention doesn't effect this conclusion. The practicality of proving the case against the pedestrian is a separate matter but the law favours neither the pedestrian nor the driver. The standard is the same no matter who the charges are filed against: proof beyond a reasonable doubt.</p>
