Legal Definitions - rout

A rout is a type of crime that occurs before a riot, but after an unlawful assembly. It is considered an "allied disturbance of the public peace" along with unlawful assemblies and riots.

Specifically, a rout involves three or more people who are part of an unlawful assembly and intend to engage in an "unlawful design." If this design is carried out, it becomes a riot. Anyone who participates in a rout, riot, unlawful assembly, or affray is guilty of a misdemeanor.

• A group of people gather in a park without a permit to protest a recent decision by the government. This is an unlawful assembly.
• Within this group, three people discuss their plan to vandalize a nearby building. This is a rout.
• If those three people carry out their plan and start breaking windows and setting fires, it becomes a riot.

These examples illustrate how a rout is a precursor to a riot and involves a group of people with an unlawful intention. It is important to note that participating in any of these activities is considered a crime and can result in legal consequences.