The Law On Law Breaking: Understanding Legal Boundaries

Law-breaking is an act punishable by law and is usually considered an evil act. There are several ways in which people break the law, some of the most common ones are prank calling, using unsecured WiFi, jaywalking, copyright infringement, littering, and underage drinking. While some of these acts are considered crimes, others are just illegal and may not seem like a big deal to some people. However, it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations in your area to avoid accidentally breaking the law.

Traffic laws

• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit is one of the most common traffic violations. Speeding can put drivers and other road users at risk and contribute to fatal accidents. In some cases, driving over the speed limit can be considered a criminal offense, leading to jail time. Even if a driver does not exceed the speed limit, they can still be ticketed for speeding if they are driving too fast for the weather conditions or road conditions, such as sharp curves or poor road conditions.
• Distracted Driving: Using a cell phone or being distracted while driving is a significant cause of accidents. In recent years, many states have cracked down on distracted driving, making it illegal to use a cell phone while driving without a hands-free system. This includes operating GPS devices, tablets, or other communication devices that require hand usage.
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Failing to obey traffic control devices, such as red lights and stop signs, is another common violation. Even if a driver has the right of way, it is essential to look both ways before driving through an intersection or using a crosswalk, as other drivers may run a red light.
• Driving Without a License: Driving without a valid license is illegal and can result in a fine or even jail time if the license is suspended or revoked. Additionally, it is illegal to drive without liability insurance coverage or a valid vehicle registration in most states.
• Following Too Closely: Tailgating or driving too close to the vehicle in front of you is considered aggressive driving in many states. This can lead to a citation and, in some cases, mandatory traffic school or a driver's license suspension.
• Driving Under the Influence: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime in all states. The consequences of a DUI charge can include jail time, fines, substance abuse classes, community service, and suspension of driving privileges.
• Reckless Driving: This is another serious offense, which includes driving far above the speed limit or driving in a way that shows a clear disregard for the safety of others.
• Moving Violations: These include a range of unlawful activities involving a motor vehicle, such as drunk driving, speeding, and failing to yield to emergency vehicles.
• Violation Consequences: The consequences of breaking traffic laws can vary. Common consequences include points on a driver's license, expensive fines, increased insurance premiums, license suspension or revocation, and even jail time in more severe cases.

It is important to note that traffic laws are subject to change, and specific regulations may differ depending on the state and local laws. Drivers should familiarize themselves with the traffic laws of the state they are driving in to ensure they are complying with the relevant regulations.

Criminal offences

Some common examples of criminal offences include prank calling, which can be considered harassment or disorderly conduct; jaywalking, or violating traffic laws as a pedestrian; and littering, which can result in a fine or even jail time. Other criminal offences include copyright infringement, also known as piracy; underage drinking; and sharing prescribed medication.

In addition, using a computer and the internet to steal someone's identity, sell contraband, stalk victims, or disrupt operations with malicious programs is a criminal offence. Criminal offences can also include regulatory offences, which are created by statutes rather than common law, and statutory offences, which are crimes that are specifically mentioned and defined by laws or statutes.

Regulatory offences

There are two types of regulatory offences: absolute liability offences and public welfare offences. Absolute liability offences do not require any fault elements (mens rea) to be proven, making it easier for the offence to be established. In most legal systems, absolute liability offences must be clearly labelled as such in the criminal code or legislation. On the other hand, public welfare offences are crimes for which a reasonable person should know that the proscribed activity is subject to stringent public regulation and may pose a serious threat to the community's health or safety.

Statutory offences

Some examples of statutory offences include:

• Theft
• False accounting
• Fraudulent evasion of duty
• Bribery
• Criminal property acquisition
• Tax evasion

Civil offences

Civil law is a system of law (rules and regulations) concerned with private relations between members of society. It includes matters against individuals, companies and can include matters against the state. Civil law cases seek to settle disputes and establish whether the defendant had a responsibility or duty of care towards the claimant.

Unlike criminal law, losing a civil law case won't result in imprisonment. However, it can result in paying compensation, forfeiting certain rights or making amends for a wrong. While a judge's decision on a civil law case won't result in imprisonment, it can still affect your family, home and finances. Civil law cases can be dealt with outside the courtroom, for example, through a third-party mediator.

When proving a civil case, the standard of proof is lower than that of a criminal case. It must be 'on the balance of probabilities', which means it is more likely to be correct than not.

The result of civil cases will be either the defendant being found liable, partly liable, or not liable. Justice is still the aim of civil cases, but it is achieved through a different process. Often, the court will award money in the form of damages or compensation, payable by the opposing party.

Both criminal action and civil action can be faced at the same time. For example, someone may be accused of assault and face criminal proceedings, while the victim could also decide to file a civil action. Even if the criminal court clears the defendant of any wrongdoing, they could still lose the civil law case and be ordered to compensate the victim for their injuries.

Frequently asked questions