§ 750.540aParty line, emergency, defined; refusal to yield or surrender use of line; pretext;

en · 848 chars · active
penalty.
 Sec. 540a.
     "Party line" as used in this section means a subscribers' line telephone circuit, consisting of
 2 or more main telephone stations connected therewith, each station with a distinctive ring or
 telephone number. "Emergency" as used in this section means a situation in which property or
 human life are in jeopardy and the prompt summoning of aid is essential.
    Any person who shall wilfully refuse to yield or surrender the use of a party line to another
 person for the purpose of permitting such other person to report a fire or summon police,
 medical or other aid in case of emergency, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.
    Any person who shall ask for or request the use of a party line on pretext that an emergency
 exists, knowing that no emergency in fact exists, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.

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