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Simple English definitions for legal terms
breach of peace
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A quick definition of breach of peace:
Breach of peace is a criminal offense that happens when someone creates a disturbance in public or behaves in a disorderly way, especially by making loud or unnecessary noise. This can include causing public alarm or excitement. It is the job of police officers and magistrates to keep the peace, so they may arrest someone if they believe a breach of peace is about to happen. Simply annoying or insulting someone is not enough to be considered a breach of peace. In the past, all crimes were seen as violating the public peace, which is why the term "breach of the peace" is sometimes used to mean any crime.
A more thorough explanation:
Breach of peace is a criminal offense that involves creating a public disturbance or engaging in disorderly conduct. This can include making unnecessary or distracting noise that causes public alarm and excitement. It is also known as disturbing the peace, disturbance of the peace, or public disturbance.
For example, if someone is shouting loudly and causing a disturbance in a public place, they could be charged with breach of peace. Similarly, if someone is playing loud music late at night and disturbing their neighbors, they could also be charged with this offense.
The purpose of laws against breach of peace is to maintain public order and prevent individuals from causing unnecessary disruptions or harm to others. Police officers and magistrates have a duty to preserve the peace and may use force or make arrests if they have reasonable cause to believe that a breach of the peace is imminent.