What are Laws?
Laws and regulations are official rules governing how people behave or act within society. In the United States, there are federal, state, and local laws and regulations that define and protect individuals' rights and responsibilities.
American laws and systems are formulated and enforced by various entities including the President, Congress, courts, and government agencies. Responsibilities such as law enforcement, investigating violations, issuing judgments, and monitoring law violators fall on police officers, courts, and correctional facilities.
Everyone, including officials and organizations, must abide by the law in the United States, a principle known as the rule of law. It requires everyone to tell the truth to American government officials.
Equal Rights
Many laws are designed to protect civil rights in the United States.
Every individual has the right to equal treatment and opportunities. This applies to areas such as employment, education, and healthcare.
Discrimination is illegal under federal law. People cannot be treated unfairly for reasons including:Age
Disability
National origin
Race and color
Religion or creed
Gender identity and sexual orientation
Learn more about civil rights and what to do if your rights are violated.
Serious Crimes
Serious crimes in the United States that are punishable by law include:Murder or killing another person
Threatening, physical assault, and kidnapping
Burglary, theft, or property damage
Producing, distributing, or possessing child pornography
Rape and sexual assault involving non-consensual sexual activity
In most states, children under 18 years old cannot legally consent to sexual activity.
Immigration
You must possess a valid passport when entering or exiting the United States. You can be detained and deported for entering the United States without permission.
It is illegal to exceed the duration of your visa. Failure to depart upon the expiration of your visa is a violation of immigration law.
Immigrants aged 18 years or older must carry valid immigration and identity documents at all times. If asked by an immigration officer, you must present these documents if you have them in your possession.
You cannot lie when applying for immigration. You must always tell the truth to the immigration officer.
Driving
You must have a valid driver's license to drive in the United States. Some states allow undocumented immigrants to apply for learner's permits and driver's licenses.
You are required to register your car in the state where you live.
You need to have basic insurance coverage to cover costs in case of an accident. Keep proof of insurance and car registration with you at all times.
You must update your driver's license when you move to a new state.
Everyone must wear a seat belt, whether they are drivers or passengers. Children and infants must be seated in car seats.
It is illegal to leave children unattended in a car in some states.
You must obey all traffic rules. It is illegal to run red lights and stop signs.
You must stop if you are involved in a car accident. Check to see if anyone is injured. Call 911 if they need medical assistance.
It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Sending text messages or using phones while driving is illegal in many states.
Drugs and Alcohol
It is illegal for individuals under the age of 21 to purchase alcohol and cigarettes. Some states allow individuals under 21 to drink alcohol with parental permission at home.
In most states, drinking alcohol in public places is considered illegal. There are also restrictions on where you can smoke.
It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol. In many states, having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher means you are intoxicated.
It is illegal to manufacture, sell, and use certain controlled substances. Prohibited drugs include methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana in most states.
Recreational use of marijuana is legal in 19 states. Medical marijuana is legal in 38 states.
Work
Working without a permit is illegal in the United States. Everyone must prove they are eligible to work.
You must pay federal and state taxes if your income exceeds a certain amount. Taxes are due every April 15th.
Child and Parents
Parents are responsible for caring for their children until they reach the age of 18. Parents must provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, supervision, and protection for their children.
Parents cannot abuse or neglect their children. It is not permissible for parents to physically, mentally, or sexually harm their children or threaten to do so.
Children must attend school for a certain number of years. In most states, children between the ages of 5 and 16 are required to attend school.
Marriage and Sex
Forcing someone into marriage against their will is a crime. Family members cannot physically, emotionally, threaten, or deceive someone into marrying if they do not wish to do so.
You can marry at the age of 18 without the permission of either parent in most states in the United States. Many states allow children aged 16 to 17 to marry with the consent of their parents.
Same-sex marriage is legal.
You can file for divorce without the consent of your spouse.
Polygamy is illegal. You cannot marry more than one person at the same time.
Domestic violence is a crime. You cannot physically, emotionally, sexually, or financially harm your partner. Marital rape, or forcing your partner to have sex without their consent, is illegal.
Housing
You must pay rent or mortgage on time.
You must follow the rules and regulations in your lease agreement.
You must not disturb your neighbors. It is illegal to threaten, harass, or intimidate your neighbors.
Trespassing is against the law. You cannot enter someone else's property without permission.
Animals and Hunting
States require licenses for hunting wild animals such as ducks, deer, elk, and moose. Many states also require licenses for fishing in fresh and saltwater.
It is illegal to slaughter animals outside of your private residence or an approved slaughterhouse.
Animal cruelty and neglect are against the law. It is illegal to torture, exhaust, or kill animals. It is also illegal to refuse to provide proper food, shelter, medical care, or abandon animals.
Medical Records
You cannot access someone else's medical records without their permission.
It is illegal to share prescription medications. Taking prescription drugs without medical consultation can pose serious health risks.
Other Laws
All male citizens and immigrants aged 18 to 25 must register for selective service in case of military conscription. Citizens must register before reaching 18 years old. Immigrants, including refugees, asylum seekers, and green card holders, must register within one month of arriving in the United States.
Littering is illegal. Discarding trash on roads, parks, and waterways carries penalties, including fines.
States prohibit disorderly conduct in public places, including fighting, public intoxication, and indecent exposure. Loitering, standing, or waiting without clear reason is also illegal.
Jaywalking is illegal in many cities. This means crossing the street without using a designated pedestrian crossing.
Gambling is illegal in many states. Each state has restrictions on various forms of gambling.
Giving and receiving bribes is illegal. Bribery involves exchanging something of value, such as money or gifts, to influence someone to take specific actions.
Downloading and sharing music, movies, games, books, or other creative works without permission violates copyright laws.
Most cities require permits for hosting private events in public places, such as parks.
What Happens When Someone Breaks the Law?
People who break the law may face penalties depending on the type of crime, such as:
- Paying a fine
- Performing community service
- Imprisonment
- Loss of certain rights or privileges