Public Order Law (knowt)

Vocabulary terms and definitions related to Public Order Law, covering processions, assemblies, breach of the peace, and statutory offences for SQE1 preparation.

Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)

Guarantees the right to freedom of expression, though it may be restricted for the prevention of disorder or crime.

Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)

Guarantees the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, restricted for the prevention of disorder and crime.

Public procession

A moving demonstration involving more than one person along a route in a place to which the public has access or any highway.

Public assembly

Defined by s 14 of the POA 1986 as an assembly of two or more persons in a public place which is wholly or partly open to the air.

Section 11 of the Public Order Act (POA) 1986

Requires organizers of a public procession to give written notice to the police at least six days in advance, unless it is a customary event or a funeral.

Serious disruption to the life of the community

Includes noise that intimidates or harasses, significant delay to time-sensitive products, and disruption of access to essential goods and services like food, water, energy, or fuel.

Trespassory assembly

An assembly of 20 or more persons on land in the open air to which the public has no or limited access, likely held without the occupier's permission.

Breach of the peace

A common-law concept involving an act done or threatened which harms a person or their property in their presence, or conduct likely to provoke others to violence.

Kettling

Mass detentions used by police to prevent breach of the peace, held to be reasonable and proportionate in the case of Austin v Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis [2009].

Binding over

A civil remedy where a court orders a defendant to refrain from specified conduct for a period (usually not exceeding 12 months) to prevent a future breach of the peace.

Section 89 Police Act 1996

The offence of obstructing a constable in the execution of their duty, often triggered by refusing a direction to prevent a breach of the peace.

Section 137 Highways Act 1980

The offence of wilful obstruction of the highway without lawful excuse.

Riot

An offence under s 1 of the POA 1986 requiring 12 or more persons using or threatening unlawful violence for a common purpose, causing fear to a person of reasonable firmness.

Violent disorder

An offence under s 2 of the POA 1986 requiring three or more persons using or threatening unlawful violence, which does not require a common purpose.

Affray

An offence under s 3 of the POA 1986 involving one or two persons using or threatening unlawful violence (not words alone) causing a person of reasonable firmness to fear for their safety.

Aggravated trespass

An offence under s 68 of the CJPOA 1994 involving trespassing on land with the intent to disrupt, obstruct, or intimidate those engaged in a lawful activity.

Locking on

An offence under the Public Order Act 2023 involving attaching oneself to an object, land, or person with intent or recklessness to cause serious disruption.

Serious Disruption Prevention Order (SDPO)

An order lasting up to two years imposed on individuals with two or more protest-related convictions in five years to prevent further disruption.

Crime and Policing Act 2025 offences

Includes concealing identity at a protest, carrying a pyrotechnic at a protest, and climbing upon a war memorial.