History of Riot in Timeline

A riot is a form of civil disorder involving a group of people engaging in violent public disturbance. This violence is often directed towards authority figures, property, or other individuals. Riots represent a breakdown of social order and are frequently triggered by underlying social, political, or economic grievances. They can range in scale from small, localized incidents to large-scale, widespread uprisings. The motivations behind riots are diverse and complex, reflecting a range of social issues and tensions.

1948: Statute Law Revision Act 1948

In 1948, The following provisions were repealed by section 1 of, and the first schedule to, the Statute Law Revision Act 1948 (11 & 12 Geo. 6. c. 62).

1962: Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1962

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

1967: Criminal Law Act 1967

In 1967, the whole act, so far as unrepealed, was repealed by section 10(2) of, and part I of schedule 3 to, the Criminal Law Act 1967.

1970: Deaths Caused by Rubber Bullets

Between 1970 and 2005, seventeen deaths were caused by rubber bullets in Northern Ireland.

1977: Egyptian Bread Riots

In 1977, the Egyptian Bread Riots involved hundreds of thousands of people rioting after food subsidies were stopped and prices rose.

1983: Statute Law Revision Act 1983

In 1983, The statute 2 Hen. 5. Stat. 1, of which this chapter was part, was repealed for the Republic of Ireland by section 1 of, and part 2 of the schedule to, the Statute Law Revision Act 1983.

1986: Public Order Act 1986

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

1986: Section 10 of the Public Order Act 1986

In 1986, Section 10 of the Public Order Act 1986 was introduced.

April 1987: Abolishment of Common Law Offence of Riot

On April 1, 1987, the common law offence of riot was abolished for England and Wales.

1988: Israeli Army Rules of Engagement

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, burning a tire.

1992: Los Angeles Riots

During the 1992 Los Angeles riots, there were 2,383 injuries, over 12,000 arrests, 63 deaths, and over 700 businesses burned, with property damage exceeding $1 billion. At least ten of the deaths were caused by police or National Guard forces.

1995: Merchant Shipping Act 1995

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

2000: Football (Disorder) Act 2000

In 2000, The Football (Disorder) Act 2000 was introduced after rioting of England fans at Euro 2000. The act allowed offenders to be banned from football grounds for a set or indeterminate period and may be required to surrender their passport to the police for a period of time in the event of a club or international match, or international tournament, connected with the offence.

2005: Deaths Caused by Rubber Bullets

Between 1970 and 2005, seventeen deaths were caused by rubber bullets in Northern Ireland.

2005: Civil Unrest in France

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

2008: Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2008

In 2008, Riot is a serious offence for the purposes of Chapter 3 of the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2008.

August 2011: English Riots

Two years after the English riots of August 2011, Edinburgh saw rioting, albeit localised to one specific area and not part of any bigger 'riot wave'.