Unenforced laws may be enacted purely for symbolic reasons, with little or no intention of enforcement. There are also circumstances in which an otherwise enforced law is not; for example,
speeding in a motor vehicle is illegal in most jurisdictions, however law enforcement may choose to ignore motorists who only slightly exceed the legal speed limit. Automated
traffic enforcement cameras may still issue fines in these circumstances in some jurisdictions. Symbolic laws typically attempt to persuade rather than enforce, punish or prevent. In
Maryland, adultery is prohibited, however the statutory criminal penalty is limited to a $10 fine.
Anti-marijuana regulations in the US present another large example of unenforced laws. While Federal Law prohibits possession, cultivation or intrastate distribution of cannabis, the US government generally
does not enforce these laws in States which have legalized marijuana products. In the
United Kingdom, under the
Treason Felony Act 1848, it is a crime punishable by life imprisonment to
advocate for the creation of a republic in print, even peacefully. The
Law Lords' interpretation of the later
Human Rights Act 1998, however, has ensured that this law is unenforced, on the grounds that peaceful advocacy of republicanism is
protected speech. ==See also==