[Adopted at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I]
Whoever commits such acts as are of a nature to corrupt the
public morals, or outrage the sense of public decency, or affect the
peace and quiet of persons who may witness them, or engages in brawling
or fighting, or engages in such conduct as to constitute a breach
of the peace or disorderly conduct, shall be guilty of a violation.
The penalty for violation of this article shall be a fine of a minimum
of $75 to a maximum of $500 and/or jail not exceed 15 days.
Many states and city prosecutors punish fighting, brawling,
or physical scuffles as disorderly conduct, even though more serious
charges of assault or battery may apply. However, the circumstances
of each case often determine whether a prosecutor charges the accused
with assault, battery, disorderly conduct, or more serious charges.
While engaging in peaceful protests is a constitutionally protected
right, engaging in disruptive protests is not. For example, courts
have held that participants in a sit-in demonstration engaged in disorderly
conduct because they blocked traffic on a pedestrian walkway.
Interrupting a Village Board of Trustees or town council meeting,
a public rally, or religious ceremony can be enough to qualify as
disorderly conduct.
Engaging in what is normally private conduct in a public place
is often charged as disorderly conduct. Public urination, public masturbation,
and public intoxication can constitute disorderly conduct.
