Legal Definitions - against the peace and dignity of the state

The phrase against the peace and dignity of the state is a formal declaration included at the end of a criminal indictment. It signifies that the alleged criminal act is not merely a wrong against an individual victim, but also a violation of the public order, the rule of law, and the fundamental authority of the government to maintain a peaceful and just society. It asserts that the state itself has been harmed by the disruption of its peace and the affront to its governmental integrity.

Here are some examples illustrating this concept:

• Example 1: Armed Robbery

  Imagine an individual is charged with armed robbery after holding up a local convenience store. The indictment would detail the specific charges, such as "armed robbery" and "assault with a deadly weapon." Concluding this document would be the phrase "against the peace and dignity of the state." This signifies that the act of violence and theft not only harmed the store owner and employees but also undermined the community's sense of safety and the state's fundamental responsibility to protect its citizens and maintain public order.

• Example 2: Public Corruption

  Consider a scenario where a high-ranking city official is indicted for accepting bribes in exchange for awarding lucrative public contracts. The specific charges might include "bribery," "extortion," and "misuse of public funds." The concluding phrase "against the peace and dignity of the state" emphasizes that this corruption is more than just a financial crime; it erodes public trust in government institutions, compromises the integrity of the state's operations, and undermines the fair administration of justice, thereby offending the state's very dignity and its ability to govern effectively.

• Example 3: Vandalism of Public Property

  Suppose a group of individuals is charged with extensive vandalism after defacing a historic public monument and several government buildings with graffiti. The specific charges would likely be "destruction of public property" or "vandalism." The inclusion of "against the peace and dignity of the state" at the end of the indictment highlights that this act is not merely property damage. It is an affront to shared cultural heritage, a disruption of public order, and a direct challenge to the state's role in preserving communal assets and upholding the values of a civilized society.