History of Riot in Timeline

A riot is a form of civil disorder involving a group's violent public disturbance. This violence is often directed against authority figures, property, or other people. Riots are characterized by their disruptive and often destructive nature, representing a breakdown of social order and control. They can arise from various factors, including political grievances, social inequalities, economic hardship, or perceived injustices.

1948: Statute Law Revision Act 1948

In 1948, provisions were repealed by section 1 of, and the first schedule to, the Statute Law Revision Act 1948 (11 & 12 Geo. 6.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

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In 1967, the whole act, so far as unrepealed, was repealed by section 10(2) of, and part I of schedule 3 to, the Criminal Law Act 1967.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

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

1977: Egyptian Bread Riots

In 1977, the Egyptian Bread Riots occurred where hundreds of thousands of people rioted after food subsidies stopped and prices rose.

July 1981: Disorder in Dundee and Edinburgh

In July 1981, both Dundee and Edinburgh experienced significant disorder similar to events in England during that time.

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 Stat. 1, of which this chapter was part, was repealed for the Republic of Ireland by section 1 of, and part 2 of the schedule to, the Statute Law Revision Act 1983.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 is made a statutory offence in England and Wales through section 1(1) of the Public Order Act 1986.

April 1987: Abolishment of the common law offence of riot

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

1988: Israeli army issues rules of engagement for the use of 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 and over 700 businesses burned. 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 experienced rioting localized to one specific area.

1995: Merchant Shipping Act 1995

Reference is made to section 235 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.

2000: Football (Disorder) Act 2000

In 2000, measures were brought in by the Football (Disorder) Act 2000 after rioting of England fans at Euro 2000. Offender may be banned from football grounds, surrender passport to the police to prevent travelling to matches or tournaments.

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: Civil unrest in France

The 2005 civil unrest in France lasted over three weeks and spread to nearly 300 towns. By the end of the incident, 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.