Riot, rout, and unlawful assembly are
related offenses, but are separate and distinct. A rout differs
from a riot in that the persons involved do not actually execute
their purpose, but merely move toward it. The degree of
execution that converts a rout into a riot is often difficult to
determine.
A riot is a form of
civil disorder commonly characterized by a group lashing out in
a violent public disturbance against authority, property, or
people. To be considered a riot in England and Wales it must
legally involve a minimum of twelve people. Under US federal law
it is only three people, in New York, US ten people, Lynchburg,
VA, US, three people, and in Nevada, US only two people can
constitute a riot.
An unlawful assembly
transpires when persons convene for a purpose, if executed would
make them rioters, but who separate without performing any act
in furtherance of their purpose.