ABSTRACT
The Public Order Act 1986 was passed after growing concern over demonstrations, industrial disputes, riots and football hooliganism.14 The Act had two principal objectives. The first was to provide a comprehensive code as to the organisation and control of processions and demonstrations. The second was to provide a code relating to disorderly conduct, which can range from behaviour which causes alarm or distress to riot. In addition, the Act created offences relating to football hooliganism and to control of persons unlawfully camping on private land.
