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Originally Posted by Siobhan OFlynn  Are there laws against inciting riots and encouraging public unrest? I would LOVE to see Sarah Palin arrested for making incendiary speeches and promoting violence against a presidential candidate. |
There are indeed laws against "Inciting a Riot" From Lawyers.com
Q. What does the charge inciting a riot mean and what will happen?
A. Under federal law, a riot is a public disturbance involving an act of violence by one or more persons who are assembled in a group of at least three people. The act of violence must be one that presents a clear and present danger of injury to another person or damage to another person's property. Threatening to commit a violent act in such a group situation that could injure another person or damage property is also considered a riot if one of the persons in the group has the ability at the time to carry out the threatened violence.
Inciting a riot applies to a person who organizes, encourages, or participates in a riot.
It can apply to one who urges or instigates others to riot. It does not apply to someone who merely advocates ideas or expresses beliefs, if those ideas and beliefs do not involve advocating violence.
The federal crime of inciting a riot carries a possible penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine.
State and local governments also have laws that make it a crime to incite a riot. The penalties range from fines only to jail time. It is important that the law, even if only a municipal ordinance, specify the conduct that is prohibited with sufficient definiteness that ordinary people can understand what conduct is prohibited.
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