Vagrancy

Vagrancy is a historical and legal category referring to people who do not have a fixed residence or visible means of support, often associated with wandering or begging. The term derives from Latin vagari, to wander. In many legal systems, vagrancy has been used to identify those deemed idle or troublesome, tying poverty to crime and public order.

Historically, vagrancy laws emerged in medieval and early modern Europe alongside systems of poor relief. As towns grew, authorities sought to control itinerant populations through vagrant acts that punished begging, sleeping in the streets, or roaming without work. Over time, many laws broadened or hardened penalties, sometimes reinforcing stigma attached to poverty.

In contemporary law, vagrancy is less common as a distinct offense in many jurisdictions, replaced by statutes against loitering, begging, disorderly conduct, or anti-homelessness ordinances. Penalties range from fines or short detention to community service, but many countries emphasize welfare approaches, shelter provisions, and outreach services to address underlying poverty and housing insecurity rather than criminalizing it.

Policy debates center on public space management, safety, and the rights of people without permanent housing. Critics argue that criminalizing poverty worsens hardship and stigma, while supporters contend that regulation is needed for public order and to deter anti-social behavior. International practice varies, with some places maintaining vagrancy offenses, others decriminalizing poverty and focusing on welfare measures.