Sonderling said: What kind of punishment would hugging the judge actually net you? I mean, it's creepy to hug a stranger, but it's not illegal, is it?
Violating others' personal space, especially in a potentially threatening way like a bear hug, is indeed an act which you are protected against by law. If the victim felt compelled to press charges, the charge would be assault (in the U.S., at least). Punishments vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but in my state, assaults which do not result in serious injury are not felonies, and assault without the intent to inflict injury is a simple misdemeanor (fine not greater than $500, jail time not greater than 30 days).
glasnost said: Violating others' personal space, especially in a potentially threatening way like a bear hug, is indeed an act which you are protected against by law. If the victim felt compelled to press charges, the charge would be assault (in the U.S., at least). Punishments vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but in my state, assaults which do not result in serious injury are not felonies, and assault without the intent to inflict injury is a simple misdemeanor (fine not greater than $500, jail time not greater than 30 days).
