Criminology - U2 - AC4.3 - Newspaper Campaigns

Newspaper Campaigns and Law Change

Public campaigns in newspapers have helped change laws by raising awareness and pressuring the government to act.

Sarah's Law – The Sarah Payne Case

Sarah Payne was abducted and murdered in 2000 by Roy Whiting, a convicted paedophile who had previously served time for a similar offence.

Sarah's Law – Campaign Aim

Sara Payne, Sarah’s mother, campaigned for the public to have access to information about known child sex offenders in their area.

Sarah's Law – News of the World's Role

The News of the World supported the campaign by ‘naming and shaming’ alleged paedophiles and demanding public disclosure rights.

Sarah's Law – Government Resistance

Initially, the government resisted the campaign due to fears of vigilante attacks and public disorder.

Sarah's Law – Turning Point and US Influence

After another child was abducted, the UK government sent a minister to the US to study Megan’s Law, which allowed public access to sex offender information.

Sarah's Law – Policy Introduced

The Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme was piloted in 2008 and rolled out nationally in 2011, allowing people to request information about those in contact with children.

Sarah's Law – Limitations of Disclosure

Police may choose not to disclose information unless they believe it is necessary to protect a child from harm.

Year and a Day Rule – Michael Gibson Case

In 1992, Michael Gibson was attacked and died after 22 months in a coma. The attacker couldn’t be charged with manslaughter due to the old legal rule.

Year and a Day Rule – Legal Flaw

The law dating back to 1278 stated that if the victim died more than a year and a day after the injury, the offender couldn’t be charged with homicide.

Year and a Day Rule – Northern Echo Campaign

Michael's mother gained the support of the Northern Echo, which launched the “Justice for Michael” campaign and gathered signatures for a petition.

Year and a Day Rule – Political Support

MP Alan Milburn supported the cause and introduced a bill to abolish the rule. Though initially unsuccessful, public pressure kept the issue alive.

Year and a Day Rule – Law Reform Act 1996

Parliament eventually passed the Law Reform (Year and a Day Rule) Act 1996, abolishing the outdated rule and enabling long-delayed prosecutions.