Gavin Howe
Many laws are broken by people who are unaware that their actions are illegal. For example, in some cities, it is illegal to sit on a curb or lie down in public, and in others, it is illegal to drive with snow on your car. Some laws are broken because people believe that the illegality of their actions does not apply to them, such as speeding or using a mobile phone while driving. Other laws are broken for financial gain, such as tax evasion through eBay reselling, or the theft of Wi-Fi from neighbours or local businesses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lack of awareness | People may not be aware they are breaking the law. |
| Inconsistent enforcement | Laws may be inconsistently enforced across different states or municipalities. |
| Low risk of punishment | People may not believe they will be caught or punished for breaking the law. |
| Social norms | People may break the law if they believe that "everyone else does it." |
| Convenience | Laws may be broken for personal convenience, such as using a neighbour's WiFi or not renewing a dog license. |
| Misunderstanding | People may misinterpret what constitutes a violation of the law, such as believing that only downloading a certain number of pages is illegal. |
| Minor infractions | People may view breaking the law as acceptable if they consider the crime minor. |
| Accessibility | Laws may be broken due to the accessibility of illegal activities, such as illegal downloading or sharing of copyrighted materials. |
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What You'll Learn
- Traffic laws, such as speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, or using a phone while driving
- Copyright infringement, like illegally downloading music or sharing media without permission
- Public behaviour, including public intoxication, sitting in certain public spaces, and littering
- Internet laws, e.g. using unsecured WiFi, fake names, or sharing streaming service passwords
- Prescribed medication, including sharing or using medication not prescribed to you
Traffic laws, such as speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, or using a phone while driving
Traffic laws are frequently broken, with speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, and using a phone while driving being some of the most common offences. While these laws are in place to ensure the safety of everyone on the road, many people still choose to disregard them.
Speeding is a significant issue, contributing to 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2020. Despite the risks and potential criminal consequences, many drivers continue to exceed the speed limit, endangering themselves and others.
Similarly, not wearing a seatbelt is a common offence that can have devastating consequences in the event of a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that two out of every three motorists will be involved in an injury accident at some point in their lives, and failing to buckle up can turn a minor collision into a tragic one.
Using a phone while driving is another prevalent issue that distracts drivers and increases the risk of accidents. In 2017 alone, more than 3,000 fatalities were attributed to distracted driving, yet people continue to use their phones despite the dangers.
So, why do people break these traffic laws so commonly? One key factor is the level of social trust in a community. When individuals trust their government and believe that laws are made with their best interests in mind, they are more likely to adhere to those laws. In places with low social trust, you might see higher rates of speeding, running red lights, and other traffic violations.
Additionally, personal circumstances can play a role. Individuals facing instability, such as job loss, financial troubles, or domestic issues, may be more prone to making hasty decisions on the road and disregarding traffic laws. Stress and anxiety can lead to distraction and a decreased regard for safety, increasing the likelihood of breaking traffic rules.
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Copyright infringement, like illegally downloading music or sharing media without permission
Copyright infringement, commonly referred to as piracy, is the act of downloading or sharing media such as music, movies, games, or books without permission. This is a law that many people may unintentionally break, as it is often unclear what constitutes copyright infringement. For example, simply downloading a song without paying for it can be considered copyright infringement, and this is policed by organisations such as the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).
Copyright law protects the value of creative work, and by making unauthorised copies, one is taking something of value from the owner without their permission. This can result in severe civil and criminal penalties, including civil lawsuits that could lead to thousands of dollars in damages. While downloading or private copying is sometimes permitted, public distribution, such as uploading or sharing copyrighted content, is usually illegal. This is true even if the content is not being distributed for commercial gain, as in the case of Germany and Canada, where fines for non-commercial copyright infringement are limited.
It is important to note that there are circumstances under the fair use doctrine where copyrighted material can be used without permission, such as for commentary, criticism, news reporting, or scholarly reports. However, the specific rules regarding fair use can be complex, and it is generally recommended to obtain permission from the copyright owner whenever possible. This can be done by contacting the owner directly or by requesting a search through the Copyright Office.
The widespread availability of digital technology and the increasing reach of the internet have made copyright infringement more common and anonymous. As a result, copyright-dependent industries have shifted their focus to expanding copyright law to recognise and penalise service providers and software distributors who facilitate individual acts of infringement. Despite this, copyright infringement remains a tempting illegal activity for many, especially with the perception that it is a low-risk way to access desired media for free.
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Public behaviour, including public intoxication, sitting in certain public spaces, and littering
Public spaces and our behaviour within them are governed by a range of laws and regulations that are often broken by members of the public. These laws relate to a variety of behaviours, including public intoxication, sitting or loitering in certain areas, and littering. While these actions may seem minor, they can have significant impacts on the safety, cleanliness, and overall enjoyment of public spaces for everyone. Here are some common temptations people face when it comes to breaking these laws and the potential consequences that may arise:
Public intoxication: Social norms and peer pressure often play a role in encouraging excessive drinking and public intoxication. People may be tempted to drink beyond their limits, especially in social settings, which can lead to impaired judgment, reckless behaviour, and a disregard for public decorum. This behaviour can result in fines, arrests, and even jail time, depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the offence. It can also have negative repercussions on one's health, relationships, and reputation.
Sitting or loitering in prohibited areas: Some public spaces, such as private property, restricted zones, or areas designated for other purposes, may have restrictions on sitting or loitering. People may be tempted to ignore these laws due to convenience, ignorance, or a sense of entitlement. However, doing so can lead to conflicts with authorities, property owners, or other members of the public. Trespassing charges, fines, and even arrests can be the result of violating these laws.
Littering: The convenience and anonymity of public spaces can tempt people to litter. Discarding trash inappropriately may seem minor, but it can have significant environmental and aesthetic impacts. Littering can lead to fines if caught, but more importantly, it contributes to pollution, harms wildlife, and degrades the overall quality of public spaces for everyone. It also increases the cost of maintenance and cleanup for local authorities.
It is important to remember that these laws are in place to maintain order, safety, and cleanliness in public spaces. While the temptation to break them may be common, doing so can have negative consequences for individuals and society as a whole. Respecting these laws and being mindful of our behaviour in public spaces is essential for fostering a harmonious and pleasant environment for all to enjoy.
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Internet laws, e.g. using unsecured WiFi, fake names, or sharing streaming service passwords
Using unsecured WiFi, creating fake names, and sharing streaming service passwords are all examples of internet-related laws that people may be tempted to break. While the consequences of such actions vary, it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved.
Using unsecured WiFi, often referred to as "piggybacking," is not illegal everywhere. However, it can violate internet service plans and provider policies. In some cases, it may even fall under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1984, which prohibits hacking. While enforcement varies across states, there have been instances of individuals facing fines and community service for connecting to unsecured WiFi without permission.
Creating fake names online is a common practice, but it can lead to legal issues. Fake names can be used for scams, identity theft, or other fraudulent activities. Additionally, using a fake name to register for certain services or websites may violate their terms of service, potentially resulting in legal consequences.
Sharing streaming service passwords, such as for Netflix, is another tempting but illegal practice. According to a 2016 ruling by the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, password sharing violates the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. While it may seem harmless to share passwords with friends or family, it is considered a form of hacking and can have legal ramifications.
It's important to note that internet laws are constantly evolving, and what may seem like a minor infraction can sometimes have unexpected consequences. While some actions may be tempting, it is crucial to respect the law, personal privacy, and intellectual property rights. Staying informed about the latest regulations and being mindful of one's online behavior can help individuals avoid unintentional law-breaking.
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Prescribed medication, including sharing or using medication not prescribed to you
It is illegal to share prescription medication with anyone else or to use medication that has not been prescribed to you. Federal and state laws prohibit the sharing of prescription drugs that are controlled substances, including opioids (e.g. Percocet), stimulants (e.g. Adderall), and benzodiazepines (e.g. Xanax).
The dangers of sharing prescription medication include:
- Misuse: Prescription drugs are prescribed by a doctor for a specific individual, taking into account their health needs, dosage, and medication schedule. Giving or taking medication without this advice can lead to misuse, abuse, and addiction.
- Side effects: All medications have side effects, which doctors consider when prescribing a certain medicine. Medications will have different results on each individual, and there is a risk of an adverse physical reaction when taking medication not prescribed for you.
- Drug safety: It is not always possible to confirm the safety or ingredients of medication obtained from someone else. Some drugs have been illegally pressed into pills to disguise their true nature.
- Legal consequences: Aside from breaking the law, sharing prescription medication may result in lawsuits or criminal charges.
To avoid sharing prescription medication, it is recommended to store medications in secure locations such as lock-boxes, medication safes, locked cabinets, or other lockable spaces. If you have medications that are expired or leftover, it is important to dispose of them safely, such as through drug take-back boxes or events.
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Frequently asked questions
Some laws that people commonly break while driving include speeding, driving without a seatbelt, using a cellphone while driving, and driving with snow on top of the car.
Yes, people often break laws without realising. For example, jaywalking, connecting to an unsecured WiFi network, and throwing away mail addressed to someone else are all laws that people unknowingly break.
People commonly break laws related to piracy and copyright infringement, especially when it comes to downloading music and streaming services.
Many people break laws related to drug use, with nearly 25% of all drug arrests in 2024 being related to marijuana. Additionally, people under 21 commonly consume alcohol, with about 26% of this age group using alcohol at least once a month.
