Laws We All Break: Unwritten Rules Of Society

Are there laws that everyone breaks? It's a question that might make you think twice about your daily actions. While most people consider themselves law-abiding citizens, the reality is that many of us inadvertently break the law at some point. From minor infractions like jaywalking or littering to more serious offences like copyright infringement or driving without a valid license, it's safe to say that everyone has broken a law at some point in their lives, whether they were aware of it or not.

For example, did you know that in the UK, it's illegal to be drunk in a pub? Or that in some states, sharing your Netflix password is against the law? While some of these laws might seem absurd, others have more serious consequences. So, the next time you're tempted to break a rule, remember that ignorance of the law is no excuse!

Speeding and other traffic violations

There are different types of speed limits, and therefore different ways that the violation of speeding can be enforced. An "absolute speed limit" is the most common type of speed law. An example would be a sign stating a speed limit of 65 mph; if a driver goes even 1 mph over this limit, they have violated the law. A "presumed speed limit" is used in certain states, such as California and Texas, and allows drivers to exceed the speed limit as long as they are driving safely for the conditions. For example, driving at 40 mph in a 35 mph zone may be considered a violation, but a judge could dismiss the charge if convinced that the driver was driving safely. A "basic speed limit" states that a driver can violate the speed law even if they are driving at or below the posted speed limit. In this case, an officer can decide that driving the speed limit is unsafe given the driving conditions, such as heavy rain or snow.

Other common traffic violations include failure to signal a turn, driving without headlights at night, parking in a fire lane, and driving with expired registration stickers. These are considered "nonmoving violations", as they occur when a vehicle is not in motion. More serious traffic violations, such as speeding, running a stop sign, or changing lanes without signalling, are considered "moving violations", as they involve a vehicle in motion. Moving violations can lead to more severe consequences, such as losing your driver's license, traffic school, or even jail time.

While many people may not consider speeding or other traffic violations to be serious offences, they can have significant impacts on the safety of those on the road and lead to harsh penalties for the driver.

Littering

It's easy to think of ourselves as law-abiding citizens, but the average person commits around seven crimes per week. One of the most common laws that people break is littering. In fact, nearly half of all Americans have admitted to littering in the past, with cigarette butts being the most frequently dumped item. This is a serious issue, as littering is a form of pollution that can have harmful effects on the environment and wildlife.

The punishment for littering can vary depending on the location and the severity of the offense. In Connecticut, littering is punishable by a fine, usually set by a Superior Court judge, of between $35 and $90. In other states, the punishment for littering can range from a fine to jail time.

Piracy and copyright infringement

Copyright infringement disputes are usually resolved through direct negotiation, a notice and take-down process, or litigation in civil court. In some cases, particularly those involving counterfeiting or large-scale commercial infringement, criminal charges may be brought. The penalties for copyright infringement vary depending on the country and the specifics of the case, but can include jail time and severe fines. In the United States, willful copyright infringement can result in a maximum fine of $150,000 per instance.

While piracy and copyright infringement are often associated with the illegal downloading of music, they can also apply to other forms of media such as films, TV shows, books, and software. With the advancement of technology, piracy has become more widespread and anonymous, particularly through the use of peer-to-peer file-sharing networks. As a result, copyright-dependent industries have shifted their focus towards expanding copyright law to target service providers and software distributors that facilitate individual acts of infringement.

There are various motives for engaging in copyright infringement, including the high cost of legitimate products, the desire to try before buying, unavailability in certain regions, and the convenience of downloading without the need for identification. Additionally, some individuals may oppose copyright law in general or wish to avoid the restrictions imposed by digital rights management (DRM).

While piracy may be perceived as a victimless crime, it has significant negative impacts on the entertainment industry and creators. The industry loses billions of dollars each year due to copyright infringement, putting jobs at risk and resulting in a loss of royalties for musicians and entertainers. Piracy can also harm the reputation of entertainers if the pirated version is of inferior quality. Legitimate businesses that sell copyrighted works are also affected, as they cannot compete with the lower prices of pirated versions. Ultimately, the costs of piracy are passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices for copyrighted works.

Underage drinking and drug use

Underage drinking impairs judgment, leading to poor decisions and increased risk of physical and sexual assault. It also interferes with brain development and increases the likelihood of developing alcohol use disorder later in life. The problem is made worse by the easy access that young people have to alcohol, with many obtaining it for free or from family members.

To combat this issue, various interventions have been proposed, including individual-level, school-based, family-based, community-based, and policy-level approaches. Individual-level interventions aim to change the way youth think about alcohol, while school-based programs provide students with knowledge and skills to stay alcohol-free. Family-based interventions empower parents to set clear rules and improve communication, and community-based interventions are coordinated by local coalitions to address risk factors. Policy-level interventions include raising the price of alcohol and keeping the minimum legal drinking age at 21.

Underage drinking is not just a problem for some families but a nationwide concern. It affects everyone, either directly or indirectly, through its consequences, such as aggressive behavior, property damage, injuries, violence, and deaths. It is a complex issue that requires a collective societal effort to address effectively.

Gambling

The Wire Act of 1961 was established to regulate the ever-growing internet gambling business and the offshore jurisdiction workarounds wagering businesses were using to facilitate online gambling. The operator of a gambling business is at risk of being fined and imprisoned under the Wire Act if the operator knowingly uses a "wire communication facility" to transmit information related to wagering on "any sporting event or contest." However, this is an exception if that act is legal in both the source and destination locations of the transmission.

In 2006, Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which made it illegal for wagering businesses to knowingly accept payment in connection with unlawful Internet gambling (though it does not itself make Internet gambling illegal). It also authorizes the Federal Reserve System to create regulations that prohibit financial transaction providers (banks, credit card companies, etc.) from accepting those payments.

Most recently, in 2021, the First Circuit held that the Wire Act does not apply to non-sports betting or wagering activities. This decision directly opposed the U.S. Department of Justice statement that the Wire Act applied to all online gambling.

Each state determines what kind of gambling it allows within its borders, where the gambling can be located, and who may gamble. The states may have differing ages at which a resident can legally gamble, or the types of gambling certain ages can engage. For example, in New Jersey, an 18-year-old can buy a lottery ticket or bet on a horse race but cannot enter a casino until age 21.

Many countries and states in the US have banned gambling. While many believe that such bans only apply to organized gambling, such as at bookmakers and casinos, they often also restrict betting of any type. This means that millions of people around the world who engage in private card games or home bingo for money can actually be breaking the law.

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