Cecily Zamora
There are many ways in which a person can break the law, and these differ across countries, states and municipalities. For example, in the US, common illegal activities include prank calling, copyright infringement, littering, and sharing prescribed medication. In Wales, it is illegal for a shopkeeper to discriminate against people based on their religion, but it is not illegal for them to discriminate based on age. While breaking a rule does not always mean breaking the law, if a person has broken a rule and the law, the police may get involved. In such cases, it is important to understand your rights and seek legal advice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Criminal laws and procedures | Vary from state to state |
| Majority of crimes committed | State crimes |
| Minors break the law | Usually appear in juvenile court |
| Minors deny the crime | Adjudicatory hearing is held |
| Minors admit to the crime | Put on probation, placed in a foster home, or sent to a juvenile institution |
| School rules | How to behave in school, what to wear |
| Breaking school rules | May lead to exclusion from school |
| Private property rules | Allowed as long as they don't break the law |
| Rules | Aims to improve things for everyone and ensure everyone is respected |
| Rules broken | May not always lead to trouble with the police |
| Common ways to break the law | Prank calling, using unsecured WiFi, throwing out mail belonging to previous tenants, failure to update driver's license, jaywalking, copyright infringement, gambling, littering, sharing prescribed medication, underage drinking, using marijuana, breaking traffic laws |
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What You'll Learn
Breaking traffic laws
No one can force you to break the law, and you are protected by law if you refuse to comply with a request to do something illegal. This applies to employers, who cannot force their employees to break the law and cannot retaliate if their employees refuse to participate in illegal activities.
Traffic laws vary depending on location, so it is important to be aware of the specific laws in your area. For example, in some places, jaywalking or crossing a street unsafely is illegal and can result in a fine. Other common traffic violations include failure to update your driver's license when moving to a new state, and throwing out mail that doesn't belong to you, even if it's junk mail.
It's worth noting that some laws may be more serious or carry harsher penalties than others. For example, speeding may result in a fine, while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol could result in jail time. It's important to be aware of the potential consequences of breaking any law and to consider the risks involved.
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Underage drinking
In the United States, underage drinking is mostly forbidden under the National Minimum Age Drinking Act passed in 1984. There are, however, exceptions in certain states, such as for religious activities and with parental or guardian consent.
While the legal drinking age in the US is 21, the majority of crimes committed are state crimes, and criminal laws and procedures vary from state to state. When minors (people under 18) break the law, they usually appear in juvenile court. If a minor admits to the crime of underage drinking, the judge may put the child on probation, place the child in a foster home, or, in serious cases, send the child to a juvenile institution.
In addition to underage drinking being illegal, driving under the influence of alcohol can lead to legal consequences in the form of a DUI, fines, court-ordered treatment, jail time, and even job loss. Drinking and driving laws are set by individual states, and consequently, penalties vary by jurisdiction.
It is also important to note that, in some states, employees of bars, clubs, and restaurants cannot drink while working. Furthermore, being forced to drink alcohol against one's will could potentially be considered false imprisonment, which is a crime.
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Copyright infringement
Copyright holders may refer to copyright infringement as theft, but this has been rejected by legislatures and courts. In copyright law, infringement does not refer to the theft of physical objects, but rather to the unauthorized exercise of the exclusive rights of the copyright holder. These rights include the right to reproduce, distribute, display or perform the protected work, or to produce derivative works. The copyright holder is usually the creator of the work, but it can also be a publisher or other business to whom copyright has been assigned.
To prove copyright infringement in court, a plaintiff must establish that they own a valid copyright and that the work is original and exists in a "tangible medium of expression". They must then demonstrate that the defendant infringed upon their exclusive rights to the work, by providing evidence of unauthorized use.
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Stalking and harassment
In the United States, federal stalking laws are outlined in Title 18 U.S. Code § 2261A, also known as the Interstate Stalking Punishment and Prevention Act. This law makes it a federal crime to cross state lines with the intent to harm or harass another person. It imposes stricter penalties and expands the definition of "stalking" to include electronic communications. To be convicted under this law, the prosecutor must prove that the accused intended to kill, injure, harass, or intimidate the victim and engaged in a pattern of behaviour, or "course of conduct", that caused the victim reasonable fear or serious emotional distress.
If you are being stalked or harassed, there are several steps you can take:
- Document and collect evidence: Keep a record of all incidents, including dates, times, locations, and any witnesses present. Save any voicemails, emails, text messages, or social media posts that you consider threatening or harassing.
- Contact the police: Report the stalking or harassment to your local law enforcement agency. Provide them with the documentation and evidence you have gathered. They can help you file a report and advise you on further steps.
- Seek legal advice: Consult with a lawyer who specializes in stalking and harassment cases. They can help you understand your legal options, such as obtaining a restraining order or pursuing civil or criminal charges against the perpetrator.
- Contact stalking or harassment support organizations: There are organizations dedicated to helping victims of stalking and harassment. They can provide you with resources, support, and additional guidance on legal options.
Remember, it is important to take stalking and harassment seriously and to act promptly to protect yourself. Each case is unique, and the laws vary depending on your location, so be sure to seek expert advice for your specific situation.
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Breaking lease agreements
A lease is a legal contract, and leaving early is considered a breach of that contract. Breaking a lease may incur penalties and other negative consequences, and state laws vary when it comes to these penalties. However, there are some valid reasons for breaking a lease that may not result in penalties.
For example, if you are called to active military duty, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) protects military service members and gives them the right to break a lease under federal law. This applies to those in the armed forces, the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service, and the activated National Guard.
Another valid reason to break a lease without penalty is if your landlord enters your home without advance notice. Your home is considered your personal space, and landlords must give 12 hours' notice before entering in most states. If your landlord repeatedly violates your privacy, changes locks, or turns off your utilities, you would be considered "constructively evicted," which justifies breaking the lease without further rent obligation.
Additionally, if your apartment is unsafe or violates health codes, you may be able to break the lease and move. This includes situations such as extended periods without running water, dangerous gas leaks, or other unsafe conditions that make the residence uninhabitable.
If you need to break a lease, it is essential to understand the terms of your contract and provide proper notice, typically around 30 days. Some landlords may be willing to work with tenants and allow early termination if a new resident is found to take over the lease. It is also recommended to offer to help find a new renter and put any agreements to cancel the lease in writing.
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