A few issues with this sign at the Empire State Building‘s 86th floor observation deck:
- Isn’t an unlawful act by definition prohibited?
- Is climbing the fence or throwing objects and not doing both at the same time allowed?
- Assuming a child isn’t considered an object and I don’t lift the child, then am I allowed to throw the child over the fence?
While I agree with the sign’s intent and would never throw anyone or anything from the observation deck, common sense is not legally binding. For example, numerous court cases have argued the presence or lack of a comma in a law as the most important point in judicial interpretation. What is not stated in a law or contract can be as important as what is stated. I assume the actual laws are more precise and naivety is not a valid defense strategy, but without much effort the sign could be made a little more helpful. Perhaps even images to for non-English speaking visitors?
Alas, I doubt anyone cares ….
