Public Order and Free Speech

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses English law surrounding the right to free speech in relation to public order offences. It focuses on the judgements handed down in the case of "Redmond Bate v DPP". The paper also goes on to examine the effect of the Human Rights Act 2000 on free speech.

From the Paper:

"It is possible to say that English law does not tolerate the freedom to demonstrate when and where members of the public want to. The Public Order Act 1936 was enacted to give the police varying powers to control public processions or public demonstrations. These new powers were deemed necessary because at a common law level a march or procession on a public highway is regarded as prima facie lawful. Section 3 of this new act gave the police powers to impose conditions the organisers of the procession. This was allowed if the officer in question felt that this course of action was necessary in order to maintain the preservation of public order. The Public Order Act 1986 extended the powers of the 1936 act and gave the police an even greater ability to impose conditions on organisers of marches. "

More papers on Public Order and Free Speech:

• Persuasive Essay # 116949 : "The First Amendment and Free Speech"
• Book Review # 148179 : "The Fights for Public Space"
• Analytical Essay # 142630 : "Is Violent Speech A Right?"

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