Final answer:
The 'peeping Tom' code refers to laws targeting invasion of privacy, particularly those prohibiting voyeurism. It applies to individuals who secretly watch or record others in private without consent, with statutes often specifying various forms of prohibited observation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term peeping Tom often relates to laws covering invasion of privacy, specifically regarding voyeurism or spying on individuals in private settings without their consent. These laws vary by jurisdiction, but they generally apply to anyone engaged in secretly watching, filming, or recording people in areas where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, like in their homes or other private spaces. While the term originated from the legend of Lady Godiva's ride through Coventry, where a man named Tom watched her against the town's agreement, it has evolved into a label for a privacy invader or voyeur.
In legal contexts, 'peeping Tom' could also be part of specific statutes or ordinances that criminalize voyeurism. These statutes might not explicitly use the label 'peeping Tom' but will outline similar prohibitions against peeking through windows, taking photographs without consent, or other forms of surreptitious observation. It's important to note that behavior criminalized under these laws can include both direct observation and the use of devices like cameras, making it relevant to our increasingly digital society.