How does Pennsylvania law define "terroristic threats"?

Pennsylvania law defines "terroristic threats" as communicating threats to commit violence with the intent to terrorize another individual or cause an evacuation of a building or other public place. This definition captures the essence of the statutory language, which aims to address situations where individuals make threats not just out of anger or in a casual manner, but with a specific intention to instill fear or disrupt society.

This definition is important because it emphasizes the intent behind the communication of the threat, distinguishing it from other forms of communication that may not necessarily aim to terrorize or cause panic. For instance, a threat made during an argument may not meet the legal threshold for a terroristic threat unless it clearly shows intent to terrorize or create a dangerous situation.

Understanding this legal definition helps clarify the seriousness with which Pennsylvania law treats such threats, placing focus on the impact of the threat on victims and the broader community rather than merely the act of making a threat itself. This legal framework aims to prevent the escalation of fear and disruption in public life, ensuring that threats intended to intimidate or instigate fear are properly addressed and penalized.