Legal Definitions - breach of the peace

Breach of the peace is a type of crime that disturbs the public peace or order. This can include many different types of criminal behavior, but it is often used to describe disorderly conduct. Some states have specific laws that define what constitutes a breach of the peace.

• In Nebraska, intentionally disturbing the peace and quiet of the community is a Class III misdemeanor.
• In Wyoming, breaching the peace can include playing unreasonably loud music, using threatening language or violent actions, or doing anything else that is likely to disturb the peace.
• In Vermont, breaching the peace can include making excessive noise between sunset and sunrise, assaulting someone, or using the phone to harass someone.

These examples illustrate how different states define breach of the peace in different ways. In each case, the behavior in question is something that is likely to disturb the peace or order of the community. By defining breach of the peace in this way, states can take action to prevent this type of behavior and protect the public.