What is the minimum number of unarmed individuals that can constitute an unlawful assembly?

Massachusetts law defines an unlawful assembly as a gathering of individuals that disrupts the peace or is likely to lead to disorder. According to this legal framework, the threshold for an unlawful assembly to be constituted is typically a minimum of ten individuals who are unarmed. This is significant because it sets a clear standard for law enforcement to determine when a group may potentially pose a threat to public safety or order.

Understanding this minimum number is essential for law enforcement officers when assessing situations in the field, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding intervention and management of gatherings to maintain public peace. Contextually, if the number were lower, it might lead to challenges in distinguishing between a lawful assembly and one that warrants police action, necessitating a balanced approach to upholding public order while respecting individuals’ rights to assemble.