Rioting or participating in a riot generally means the assembly of multiple persons resulting in conduct that (1) creates an immediate danger of damage to property or injury to persons; (2) substantially obstructs law enforcement or other governmental functions or services; (3) is tumultuous or violent and likely to cause public alarm; or (4) deprives any person of a legal right or disturbs any person in the enjoyment of a legal right by using force or the threat of force.

Rioting laws vary from state to state and some states have related offenses such as inciting a riot, unlawful assembly, failing to disperse, and disturbing the peace. These laws are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Oklahoma, rioting is addressed under the state's penal code. According to Oklahoma statutes, a riot is defined as a gathering of three or more people acting with a common intent resulting in conduct that creates an immediate danger of damage to property or injury to persons, substantially obstructs law enforcement or other governmental functions, or is tumultuous or violent causing public alarm. The law also covers related offenses such as inciting a riot, which involves encouraging others to riot, and unlawful assembly, where individuals gather for the purpose of committing a riot or other unlawful acts. Failing to disperse when commanded by law enforcement during a riot or unlawful assembly is also an offense. Additionally, disturbing the peace is a related crime that involves activities that interfere with the public tranquility. Penalties for these offenses can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the actions and the resulting harm or potential harm to persons or property.