History of Riot in Timeline

A riot is a form of civil disorder characterized by public violence committed against authority figures and property. This violence often results in the destruction of public and private property, with targets ranging from shops and cars to religious buildings and state-owned institutions. While riots can stem from political grievances, government offices are typically avoided due to heavy security.

1948: Statute Law Revision Act

In 1948, the Statute Law Revision Act repealed certain provisions related to riot laws.

1962: Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1962

In 1962, paragraph 13 of Schedule 5 to the Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) is noted.

1967: Criminal Law Act 1967

In 1967, the Criminal Law Act repealed the whole act so far as unrepealed, which came into force on 1 January 1968.

January 1968: Criminal Law Act 1967 in force

On January 1968, section 10(2) of, and part I of schedule 3 to, the Criminal Law Act 1967, came into force, repealing the whole act so far as unrepealed.

1970: Deaths caused by rubber bullets in Northern Ireland

Starting in 1970, seventeen deaths were caused by rubber bullets in Northern Ireland over the thirty five years until 2005.

1977: Egyptian Bread Riots

In 1977, the Egyptian Bread Riots erupted when hundreds of thousands of people rioted following the termination of food subsidies, which caused prices to rise.

July 1981: Disorder in Dundee and Edinburgh

In July 1981, both Dundee and Edinburgh experienced significant disorder, similar to events in England, though sources are limited.

1983: Statute Law Revision Act for the Republic of Ireland

In 1983, the Statute Law Revision Act repealed a statute related to riot laws for the Republic of Ireland.

1986: Public Order Act 1986

Riot became a statutory offence in England and Wales under section 1(1) of the Public Order Act 1986.

April 1987: Abolishment of common law offence of riot for England and Wales

On April 1987, the common law offence of riot was abolished for England and Wales.

1988: Israeli army rules of engagement for plastic bullets

In 1988, the Israeli army issued rules of engagement for the use of plastic bullets, defining a "violent riot" as a disturbance with the participation of three or more persons, including stone throwing, erection of a barrier or barricade, or burning a tire.

1992: Los Angeles riots

During the 1992 Los Angeles riots, 2,383 people were injured, over 12,000 were arrested, 63 were killed, and over 700 businesses were burned, resulting in over $1 billion in property damage. Police and National Guard forces shot at least ten of those killed.

1994: Rioting in Edinburgh

In 1994, Edinburgh experienced rioting, localized to one specific area.

1995: Merchant Shipping Act 1995

The Riot (Damages) Act 1886 and section 235 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 are noted.

2000: Football (Disorder) Act 2000

In 2000, the Football (Disorder) Act was introduced after rioting by England fans at Euro 2000, allowing offenders to be banned from football grounds and required to surrender their passports.

2005: Deaths caused by rubber bullets in Northern Ireland

Seventeen deaths were caused by rubber bullets in Northern Ireland over the thirty five years between 1970 and 2005.

2005: Riots in France

The 2005 riots in France lasted over three weeks and spread to nearly 300 towns. Over 10,000 vehicles were destroyed and over 300 buildings burned. Over 2,800 suspected rioters were arrested, and 126 police and firefighters were injured. Estimated damages were over €200 Million.