History of Riot in Timeline

A riot is a form of civil disorder defined by a group's violent public outburst against authority, property, or individuals. It signifies a breakdown of social order, often stemming from grievances or tensions within a community. Riots can vary significantly in scale, intensity, and underlying causes, ranging from spontaneous eruptions of anger to planned acts of protest. They often result in property damage, injuries, and occasionally fatalities. Riots have played a role throughout history, sometimes serving as catalysts for social and political change, while other times being suppressed with force.

1948: Statute Law Revision Act 1948

In 1948, Section 1 of, and Schedule 1 to, the Statute Law Revision Act 1948 repealed some riot-related laws.

1962: Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1962

Reference is made to paragraph 13 of Schedule 5 to the Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1962.

1967: Criminal Law Act 1967

In 1967, the whole chapter, so far as unrepealed, was repealed by section 10(2) of, and Part I of Schedule 3 to, the Criminal Law Act 1967.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 in Northern Ireland

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

1977: Egyptian Bread Riots

In 1977, hundreds of thousands of people rioted in Egypt after food subsidies were discontinued and prices increased.

July 1981: Disorder in Dundee and Edinburgh

In July 1981, both Dundee and Edinburgh experienced significant disorder, mirroring events in England. Sources are limited, but Niddrie and Craigmillar also saw riots in the 1980s.

1983: Statute Law Revision Act 1983

In 1983, 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 Stat. 1, of which this chapter was part, was repealed for the Republic of Ireland by section 1 of, and Part 2 of the Schedule to, the Statute Law Revision Act 1983.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

Riot is a statutory offence in England and Wales, created by section 1(1) of the Public Order Act 1986.

April 1987: Abolishment of Common Law Offence of Riot

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

1988: Israeli Army Rules of Engagement for Plastic Bullets

In 1988, the Israeli army issued rules of engagement for the use of plastic bullets which defined 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, 2,383 people were injured, more than 12,000 were arrested, 63 people were killed, over 700 businesses burned, and property damage was estimated at over $1 billion. At least ten of those killed were shot by police or National Guard forces.

1994: Rioting in Edinburgh

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

1995: Merchant Shipping Act 1995

Reference made to 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. This allowed for offenders to be banned from football grounds and required to surrender their passports to the police during matches or tournaments.

2005: Deaths Caused by Rubber Bullets in Northern Ireland

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

2005: Civil Unrest in France

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