What is NOT a characteristic of an unlawful assembly?

A gathering for peaceful discussion is not a characteristic of an unlawful assembly. An unlawful assembly typically involves a group of individuals coming together with the intention of committing acts that violate the law or public order. The essence of an unlawful assembly lies in the intentions and behaviors of the participants, particularly when they show an intention to engage in violent or disruptive activities.

In contrast to this, a peaceful discussion suggests that the gathering is aimed at engaging in dialogue or exchanging ideas without the intent to cause harm or disrupt public peace. This characteristic aligns more with lawful assemblies, where individuals are exercising their rights to free speech and assembly in a manner that does not pose a threat to public safety.

The other options involve characteristics that typically define unlawful assemblies. The intention to commit unlawful acts signifies that the gathering has shifted from a peaceful intention to a potentially dangerous situation. A lack of willingness to disperse indicates defiance against authorities trying to maintain order, further emphasizing the assembly's unlawful nature. Lastly, the presence of public officers points to law enforcement's response, which often comes in situations where there is a concern about the legality of a gathering. Thus, the presence of these elements suggests an assembly that may not be operating within legal boundaries.