The 'Stop! You've Violated the Law' meme originates from the 2006 action role-playing game The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, developed by Bethesda Game Studios. The scene features a generic Imperial Guard, voiced by actor Wes Johnson, who abruptly interrupts the player after they commit a crime. The camera zooms in uncomfortably close to the guard's face as he delivers the iconic line: 'Stop! You violated the law. Pay the court a fine or serve your sentence.' This clip became a staple of internet culture due to the game's clunky AI, the guard's intense delivery, and the sudden shift in gameplay. It is commonly used to represent moments of being 'caught red-handed' or to humorously police behavior in online comment sections. Relatable scenarios include getting caught breaking a minor rule or being interrupted during a mischievous act. Example captions include: 'When you try to take an extra free sample at the grocery store' or 'Me trying to sneak into the kitchen at 3 AM and hitting a loud floorboard.'