Which action best defines the offense of stalking?

The action that best defines the offense of stalking is repeated following without authority. Stalking typically involves a pattern of behavior where an individual monitors, observes, or follows another person persistently and deliberately, which can create fear and distress for the victim. This behavior goes beyond mere attention or interest; it indicates a continuous and unwanted intrusion into the victim's life.

Conversely, while threatening conduct can occur in stalking situations, it is not the sole defining characteristic. Stalking encompasses the overall pattern of behavior rather than just specific threats. Property damage and physical assault, while serious criminal offenses, do not inherently include the ongoing, obsessive nature of stalking. They represent distinct criminal acts that do not encapsulate the essence of stalking, which fundamentally involves repeated and unwanted surveillance or contact. Thus, the repeated following without authority captures the essence of stalking more accurately than the other options.