Course of Conduct is defined as which of the following?

Course of Conduct is defined as which of the following?

• A. A single phone call
• B. A pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, evidencing a continuity of purpose, including following, detaining, restraining, or stalking, or telephoning, contacting, or otherwise communicating with the person
• C. A one-off email
• D. A random encounter

Answer: (B)

A course of conduct is a pattern of actions over time that shows a continuous purpose toward the person. It isn’t just one incident; it’s a series of acts across a period that, together, demonstrate intent to pursue or harass, such as following, detaining, restraining, or stalking, or repeatedly telephoning, contacting, or otherwise communicating with the person. This emphasis on a sequence over time helps distinguish ongoing, purposeful behavior from isolated events. So why this option fits best: it explicitly defines a pattern of conduct with a continuity of purpose and includes the types of actions that typically constitute stalking or harassment. A single phone call, a one-off email, or a random encounter are not enough to show that sustained pattern over time, which is why those alternatives don’t meet the definition.

A course of conduct is a pattern of actions over time that shows a continuous purpose toward the person. It isn’t just one incident; it’s a series of acts across a period that, together, demonstrate intent to pursue or harass, such as following, detaining, restraining, or stalking, or repeatedly telephoning, contacting, or otherwise communicating with the person. This emphasis on a sequence over time helps distinguish ongoing, purposeful behavior from isolated events.

So why this option fits best: it explicitly defines a pattern of conduct with a continuity of purpose and includes the types of actions that typically constitute stalking or harassment. A single phone call, a one-off email, or a random encounter are not enough to show that sustained pattern over time, which is why those alternatives don’t meet the definition.