What Are Laws?

Laws and regulations are official rules about how people should behave or act in society. In the United States, there are laws and regulations at the federal, state, and local levels that define and protect people's rights and responsibilities.

U.S. laws and regulations are created and enforced by many organizations, including the President, Congress, courts, and government agencies. Police officers, courts, and corrections are responsible for enforcing the law, investigating violations, handing out punishments, and monitoring people who break the law.

Equal Rights

Many laws are designed to protect the civil rights of people in the United States.

Everyone has the right to equal treatment and opportunity. This applies to areas such as work, education, and healthcare.

Discrimination is illegal under federal law. People cannot be treated unfairly because of:

• Age
• Disability
• National origin
• Race and color
• Religion or belief
• Gender identity and sexual orientation

Serious crimes

Serious crimes in the US that are punishable by law include:

• Murder or taking the life of another person
• Threats, physical assault, and kidnapping
• Theft, theft, or destruction of someone's property
• Viewing, making, or distributing child pornography
• Rape and sexual assault involving non-consensual sex
• In most states, children under the age of 18 cannot legally consent to have sex.

Immigration

You must have valid travel documents to enter and exit the United States. You may be arrested and deported if you enter the U.S. without permission.

It is illegal to overstay your visa. Not leaving after your visa expires is a violation of immigration law.

Immigrants age 18 and older must have valid identification and immigration documents with them at all times. If an immigration officer asks for your papers, you must show them whether or not you have them.

You cannot lie on an immigration application. You must always tell the immigration officer the truth.

Driving

You must have a valid driver's license to drive in the U.S. Some states allow undocumented immigrants to apply for learner's permits and driver's licenses.

You must register your car in the state where you live.

You must sign up for basic insurance to cover costs in case of an accident. Always keep proof of insurance and registration in your car.

When you move to a new state, you must update your driver's license.

Whether you're driving or riding, everyone should wear a seatbelt. Infants and children should ride in a car seat.

In some states, it's illegal to leave children alone in a car.

You must obey all traffic rules. It's illegal to drive at high speeds and to run through red lights and stop signs.

If you get into a car accident, you must stop. Check if anyone is injured. If they need medical help, call 911.

It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

In many states, it is against the law to use a cell phone or send a text message while driving.

Drugs and Alcohol

It is illegal for people under the age of 21 to purchase alcohol and cigarettes. Some states allow people under the age of 21 to drink alcohol in a private home with their parent's permission.

In most states, it is against the law to drink alcohol in public places. There are also restrictions on where you can smoke.

It is illegal to drive while intoxicated. In many states, having a 0.08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) means you are intoxicated.

It is illegal to produce, sell, and use certain controlled substances. Illegal drugs in most states include methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana.

Marijuana for recreational use is legal in 19 states. Medical marijuana is legal in 38 states.

Children and Parents

Parents are responsible for caring for their children until they turn 18. Parents must provide children with adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, supervision, and protection.

Parents cannot abuse or neglect their children. Parents cannot harm or threaten to harm their children physically, mentally, or sexually.

Children are required to attend school for a certain number of years. In most states, children ages 5–16 are required to attend school.

Marriage and Sex

It is a crime to force someone into marriage against their will. Family members cannot physically or emotionally abuse, threaten, or deceive a person into marriage if they do not want to.

You can marry at age 18 without parental permission in most parts of the US. Many states allow 16-17 year olds to marry with their parents' consent.

Gay marriage is legal.

You can file for divorce without your spouse's approval.

Polygamy is illegal. You cannot be married to more than one person at the same time.

Domestic violence is a crime. You cannot harm your partner physically, emotionally, sexually, or financially. Marital rape, or forcing a spouse to have sex without consent, is illegal.

Housing

You must pay your rent or mortgage on time.

You must follow the rules and regulations in your lease.

You should not disturb your neighbors. It is illegal to threaten, harass, or intimidate your neighbors.

Trespassing is against the law. You cannot go onto someone's property without permission.

Animals and Hunting

States require licenses to hunt wild animals, such as ducks, deer, elk, and moose. Many states also require licenses for fresh and saltwater fishing.

It is illegal to slaughter an animal outside of your private home or an approved slaughterhouse.

Animal cruelty and neglect is against the law. It is illegal to torture, overwork, and kill animals. It is illegal to refuse to provide proper food, shelter, and medical care, or to abandon animals.

Medical

You cannot access someone's health records without their permission.

It is illegal to share prescribed medication. Taking prescription medications without medical advice can pose serious health risks.