The Laws People Love To Ignore

Many people consider themselves law-abiding citizens, but it's surprisingly common for people to break the law without even realizing it. From common offenses like speeding, littering, and jaywalking to less obvious ones like prank calling and failing to update your driver's license when you move, it's easy to accidentally commit a crime. In fact, according to a poll by onepoll.com, the average person commits around seven crimes per week! This raises an interesting question: what do we call a law that people break?

Prank calling

Harassment laws are the most commonly applicable to prank callers. While a single, isolated prank call is unlikely to be considered harassment, repeatedly calling the same person or making threatening remarks during a prank call could be considered illegal. Similarly, disorderly conduct laws in some states include provisions against offensive and abusive language intended to anger others, which could apply to certain types of prank calls.

In addition, wiretapping laws make it illegal in many states to record phone conversations without the consent of all parties involved. This means that recording a prank call, which is often done to capture funny exchanges, could actually constitute a felony.

Finally, prank callers should be aware of hate crime laws, which prohibit targeting individuals based on characteristics like religion, race, or national origin. Mocking someone's accent or nationality during a prank call, for example, could potentially violate these laws.

While prank calling may seem like a harmless joke, it's important to be aware of the potential legal consequences and to respect the rights and privacy of others. Breaking these laws can have serious repercussions, and those who engage in prank calling may find themselves facing criminal charges and even arrest.

Unsecured WiFi use

The act of connecting to and using a WiFi network without the owner's permission is known as "piggybacking" or "mooching". While it may be tempting to connect to a neighbour's unsecured WiFi, doing so without their consent is illegal in many places. In the US, for example, it is prohibited in most jurisdictions.

Piggybacking is considered illegal under federal statutes, including the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. In New York State, for instance, it is a Class A misdemeanour. While the laws governing piggybacking are still being clarified, there have been numerous cases of people being arrested and charged for using an unsecured WiFi connection without permission.

The consequences of piggybacking can be severe, with potential criminal penalties, including fines and even incarceration. Therefore, it is essential to always obtain the owner's consent before using their WiFi connection.

In addition to legal consequences, using an unsecured WiFi network can also pose risks to your privacy and security. Unsecured networks may allow other users to view your computer files, potentially leading to hacking or other malicious activities.

To avoid any legal or security issues, it is recommended to always seek permission from the owner before using their WiFi connection and to ensure that your own WiFi network is secure and protected with a password.

Jaywalking

In many countries, the concept of jaywalking is not widely recognised, and there are no specific laws limiting how pedestrians can cross public highways. For example, in the United Kingdom, the Highway Code relies on pedestrians' judgment to decide if it is safe to cross, rather than having specific jaywalking laws. On the other hand, some countries have strict regulations and penalties for jaywalking. In Singapore, for instance, jaywalking is an offence that carries a fine of $50 for the first violation, with repeat offenders facing a fine of $1000 and a potential jail term of three months.

The reasons for jaywalking vary and include convenience, the expectation of the right to free movement, and sometimes personal safety. In rural and suburban areas, the lack of sidewalks may contribute to jaywalking. Additionally, cultural norms about jaywalking differ by locality, and the practice cannot be solely explained by differences in the law. For instance, Copenhagen and New York City have similar restrictions on jaywalking, but it is far more common in New York.

In recent years, there has been a pushback against jaywalking laws, with some arguing that they disproportionately target marginalised communities. In September 2022, California passed The Freedom to Walk Act, decriminalising jaywalking in the state. This legislation allows pedestrians to make "safe mid-block crossings" unless there is an immediate danger of a collision.

Copyright infringement

While the terms "piracy" and "theft" are often associated with copyright infringement, it is important to note that copyright is a type of intellectual property, distinct from laws covering robbery or theft of tangible property. Not all copyright infringement results in commercial loss, and courts have distinguished between infringement and theft.

Underage drinking

The consequences of underage drinking can be severe and life-altering. In Alabama, for example, purchasing, possessing or consuming alcohol before the age of 21 is considered a first-degree misdemeanour, punishable by up to six months in prison, a $1,000 fine, or both. These penalties serve as a deterrent and aim to reduce the number of underage drinkers.

To address this issue, states have implemented various policies and initiatives. For instance, the use of false identification to purchase alcohol is illegal, and underage drinkers may face loss of driving privileges ("use/lose" laws) and stricter blood alcohol concentration levels ("zero-tolerance laws"). In 2006, Congress also enacted the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking (STOP) Act, which authorised $18 million in federal funds to combat underage drinking through research, community coalitions, and a national media campaign.

It is important to recognise that breaking the law, even unintentionally, can have serious repercussions. Understanding the risks and consequences of underage drinking is crucial to making informed decisions and ensuring compliance with legal age restrictions.

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