History of Riot in Timeline

A riot is a form of civil disorder defined by a violent public disturbance perpetrated by a group. This violence is often directed at authority figures, property, or individuals. It signifies a breakdown in social order and can stem from various underlying causes such as political grievances, economic hardship, or social inequality. Riots differ in scale and intensity, often resulting in property damage, injuries, and sometimes fatalities.

1948: Statute Law Revision Act 1948

In 1948, Section 1 of, and Schedule 1 to, the Statute Law Revision Act 1948 repealed parts of older legislation.

1962: Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1962.

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

1967: Criminal Law Act 1967

In 1967, the whole chapter was repealed by section 10(2) of, and Part I of Schedule 3 to, the Criminal Law Act 1967.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

In 1970, the use of rubber bullets in Northern Ireland commenced, leading to seventeen deaths over the next thirty-five years.

1977: Egyptian Bread Riots

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

July 1981: Disorder in Dundee and Edinburgh

In July 1981, both Dundee and Edinburgh experienced significant disorder as part of the events of that July.

1983: Statute Law Revision Act 1983

In 1983, the statute 2 Hen. 5. Stat. 1 was repealed for the Republic of Ireland by section 1 of, and Part 2 of the Schedule to, the Statute Law Revision Act 1983.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, Section 10

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

April 1987: Abolishment of the common law offence of riot

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

1988: Israeli army rules of engagement for the use of 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

In 1992, the Los Angeles riots resulted in 2,383 injuries, over 12,000 arrests, 63 deaths, and the burning of over 700 businesses. Property damage was estimated at over $1 billion.

1994: Edinburgh Rioting

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 in 1995.

2000: Football (Disorder) Act 2000

In 2000, the Football (Disorder) Act 2000 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

By 2005, seventeen deaths had been caused by rubber bullets in Northern Ireland since 1970.

2005: Civil unrest in France

In 2005, civil unrest in France lasted over three weeks, spreading 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.