Duty to Report a Crime

[RabbitStew]

I hope this is in the right place, and I also hope it hasn't been discussed already (I tried to do a search to see if it has, but turned up nothing). Anyway...

In the United States, if you see a crime happen, what is your responsibility as a citizen? Is it illegal to 'walk away'? Is it illegal to not offer help? Must you report the crime?

[aaron]

In the U.S., laws of course vary by state. Generally, absent a status relationship (e.g., a parent's relationship to a child) there is no duty to intervene, help, or call the police. Some jurisdictions have experimented with laws to try to create additional duty; as I recall, the last episode of Seinfeld was premised upon such a law.

[RabbitStew]

I admit, that episode is what got it into my head in the first place. Thanks Aaron for the response and clarification.