When it comes to breaking the rules, we have a lot in common
As we all know, breaking laws is common in both Wisconsin and the United States as a whole. Some laws still on the books might seem silly, outdated or even strange. For example, in Wisconsin, AA cheddar cheese has to be "highly pleasing," you must yield the right of way to livestock on public roads, and you are not allowed to camp in a wagon on a public highway. Of course, we don't pass judgment on the quality of the cheese in your fridge (or in a spray can, as the case may be), but the law might give you the side-eye if you're among those who disregard the most commonly broken laws in the U.S.
Laws Americans are known to break most often
Here are the five laws that are broken most often in the United States.
1. Underage drinking
Underage drinking is relatively common in the U.S. Despite the law, alcohol continues to be the substance of choice for young people, ranking even higher than tobacco, marijuana, and other substances. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that in 2019, more than 7 million youth ages 12 to 20 reported that they used alcohol over the past month. Teens reported it was fairly easy or very easy for them to obtain alcohol.
2. Smoking marijuana
Marijuana is legal, semi-legal or decriminalized in several states, yet it remains illegal as a Schedule 1 narcotic at the federal level (not to mention it's illegal in Wisconsin, too). According to the FBI, drug arrests for marijuana possession reportedly fell in 2020, but hundreds of thousands of Americans are arrested on charges related to marijuana every year.
3. Crossing the wrong way
Jaywalking is another commonly broken law in Wisconsin and the United States. Jaywalking laws are intended to protect pedestrians, so they are commonly on the books, but who among us hasn't witnessed someone crossing a street outside of the designated areas (of course, we would never do it ourselves)? Using the crosswalk is always the safest bet, yet people do get cited and even arrested for jaywalking to this day.
4. Stealing tunes
Pirating remains a crime, as it is considered theft. Yet the internet, in particular, has enabled the masses to pirate music (and often movies) on a grand scale, and it's a common crime. While many scofflaws might think the law will never catch up with them, those who are caught can be subject to fines, incarceration or both.
5. Trashing the place
Take a look at any roadside on a windy day, and you'll probably see evidence of littering. From plastic bags to food wrappers to bottles and more, litter can be an eyesore. It remains a crime in the United States to litter, but clearly, that's not enough to compel some people to clean up their act.
Caught breaking the law? We can help.
Not every law broken ranks among the most commonly broken laws in Wisconsin and the U.S. If you're charged with a crime in Wisconsin, having the right legal representation can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Contact us to connect with an attorney who will look out for your rights and interests.
FAQs
The poll of 5,000 people revealed speeding as the most common crime, with forty-six percent (46%) of people admitting to driving over the speed limit. Judging from personal experience, this seems a bit low. Another forty percent (40%) text or talk while driving while thirty-six percent (36%) drop litter.
What is the #1 most commonly broken law in the US? ›
The poll of 5,000 people revealed speeding as the most common crime, with forty-six percent (46%) of people admitting to driving over the speed limit. Judging from personal experience, this seems a bit low. Another forty percent (40%) text or talk while driving while thirty-six percent (36%) drop litter.
How many laws are broken every day? ›
In his book Three Felonies a Day, civil-liberties lawyer Harvey Silverglate estimates that the average person unknowingly breaks at least three federal criminal laws every day.
Is the Macarena illegal in the US? ›
Singing Happy Birthday, Christmas songs, or the Macarena in public. Depending on the circ*mstances (like volume and number of people), singing popular songs in public might constitute copyright infringement.
How many laws are broken a year? ›
The average of people breaking the law is 260 times a year or five times a week.
What is U.S. common law? ›
Key Takeaways. Common law, also known as case law, is a body of unwritten laws based on legal precedents established by the courts. Common law draws from institutionalized opinions and interpretations from judicial authorities and public juries.
What are some laws people don't like? ›
There's the law that makes it illegal for a woman to drive a car in a housecoat. Then there's the one about how autonomous vehicles can't drive over 60mph. And don't forget the one about being unable to hunt from a moving car – unless you're hunting whales. They're all undoubtedly hilarious.
What is the lowest form of law? ›
The three sources of law are constitutional, statutory, and case law. The sources of law are ranked as follows: first, constitutional; second, statutory; and third, case law. Although it is technically ranked the lowest, judicial review makes case law an extremely powerful source of law.
Which is the strongest law? ›
The Constitution of India is the most powerful law in India. It is a written document that outlines the fundamental rights, duties, and principles of governance for the citizens of India.
What laws affect your everyday life? ›
Other laws
- All citizens and immigrant men ages 18-25 must register with the Selective Service in case of a military draft. ...
- Littering is illegal. ...
- States prohibit disorderly conduct in public, including fighting, being drunk, and indecent exposure. ...
- Jaywalking is illegal in many cities. ...
- Gambling is illegal in many states.
The phrase 'Break the Law' means to fail to obey a law; to act contrary to a law. Example of Use: "Lisa broke the law when she drove the wrong way on a one-way street."
What is an unjust law today? ›
A law is unjust when it violates the rights in place in a democracy. For example, a law that permits slavery would be considered an unjust law because it violates enslaved people's civil and human rights.
What country is it illegal to dance? ›
Kuwait: Kuwait's strict views against dancing are believed to be “symptoms” of the Islamist past. Dancing, including jumping and head banging, is prohibited even at concerts. Fans of artist are limited to swaying and hand clapping at concerts.
Where is dancing illegal in the US? ›
In the rural Christian town of Elmore City, Oklahoma, dancing has been strictly forbidden since 1898, on moral grounds.
Is the Macarena about a woman cheating? ›
That's right, the song is about a girl named Macarena who cheats on her boyfriend with two friends while he's being drafted into the army.
What is the weakest source of law in the United States? ›
While administrative regulations do contribute legal rules to the various sets of American laws, lawyers generally regard them as the weakest of the sources of law.
Is speeding the most broken law? ›
Speeding - The most commonly violated traffic law: CSP.
