Legal Definitions - breach of peace

Breach of Peace

"Breach of peace" refers to any act or conduct that disrupts public order, disturbs the tranquility of a community, or incites violence. It encompasses behavior that is disorderly, threatening, or violent, and which is likely to cause alarm, annoyance, or danger to others. This legal concept is broad and aims to protect the general public from disturbances that interfere with their sense of safety and calm.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Public Disturbance

  Imagine a person at a public library who, after being asked to quiet down, begins shouting profanities, throwing books from shelves, and aggressively confronting other patrons. This behavior causes significant disruption, frightens children, and forces staff to call security.

  How it illustrates the term: This individual's actions directly disturb the peace and tranquility of a public space, creating an environment of alarm and disorder for others who are trying to use the library peacefully. Their conduct goes beyond mere annoyance and actively interferes with public order.

• Example 2: Inciting Violence

  During a community meeting discussing a controversial local development project, an individual stands up, begins yelling inflammatory remarks, and then physically shoves another attendee, encouraging others to join in the confrontation.

  How it illustrates the term: By initiating physical aggression and inciting others to violence, this person's actions create a clear threat to public order and safety. This behavior directly breaches the peace by escalating a disagreement into a potentially violent situation.

• Example 3: Disorderly Conduct Causing Alarm

  Late at night, a group of individuals gathers outside a residential home, loudly playing music, shouting, and repeatedly banging on the door and windows, causing the residents inside to fear for their safety and unable to sleep.

  How it illustrates the term: The group's actions, even if not directly violent, create significant alarm and disturbance for the residents. Their loud and persistent behavior disrupts the peace and quiet of the neighborhood and directly interferes with the residents' right to feel safe and secure in their home.