lawbreaker

A lawbreaker is a person who violates laws or regulations established by a governing authority. The term is descriptive and common in everyday language and media; it is not a formal legal category in most jurisdictions.

The term covers a broad range of conduct, from minor civil or administrative infractions, such as traffic violations or licensing violations, to criminal offenses like theft or assault.

In formal law, offenses are categorized as civil, administrative, or criminal. A person charged with a crime is typically called a defendant or offender in court; "lawbreaker" read in the media may refer to someone accused or convicted but is not a technical term.

Enforcement and penalties depend on the offense and jurisdiction: warnings, fines, community service, probation, license suspensions, or imprisonment. Repeated violations can lead to more severe sanctions.

From a criminological perspective, lawbreaking is studied to understand causes, risk factors, and deterrence, and to develop effective interventions. Societal responses include policing, courts, and regulatory compliance programs.