Table of Contents

The Ambiguity of Demonstrations

Debating demonstrations

In defence of demonstrations

Objections to demonstrations

Evaluating the arguments

Arguments about rights

Arguments about lawlessness and violence

Arguments about democracy

Arguments about demonstrators

Arguments from prudence

Conclusions

The Legality of Demonstrations

International law

Constitutional issues

Common law presumptions

Riots and unlawful assemblies

Obstruction

Permits

Traditional permit systems

Modern permission systems

‘No permit’ systems

Public Order Offences

Charges

Laws

Resisting police

Offensive language and behaviour

Other offences

Torts

Interference with contractual relations

Intimidation

Nuisance

Injury to the plaintiff’s trade or business

Trespass

Powers to Control Demonstrations

Police powers

Preventing breaches of the peace

Preventive measures: dispersal

Arrest

Police violence and harassment

Negotiation

Court orders

Binding over

Preventive measures: injunctions — General principles/ Policy issues/ Union disputes/ Targets of injunctive orders

Preventive measures: bail conditions

Sentences

Conclusions

Anachronisms

Uncertainty

Limited protections

The hostile audience problem

Limits to law

Table of Cases/ Table of Statutes/ Index

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