Actions: The Law
Top Tip
Make sure you’re informed - it will boost your confidence if challenged, and things will run much more smoothly.
Sometimes campaigners run up against the law, often without meaning to. Here we list three common legal issues with actions, and a link for more comprehensive advice.
Some key things to watch out for are below, but for more detailed information, get in touch with the Activists’ Legal Project.
Criminal damage: Chalking, stickering and pouring paint can leave you liable for this offence. The damage does not have to be permanent and even if it is graffiti made with chalk which will wash away with rain it may still be criminal damage.
“You commit the offence of criminal damage if you destroy or damage property or threaten to destroy or damage property, either intentionally or recklessly, without lawful excuse” - Section 1(1) of the Criminal Damage Act 1971.
Police permission: a large march down your local high street will probably require police permission, which often needs a couple of weeks’ notice. Assuming you’re not planning an illegal action, a police presence can be great to keep away cars and smooth relations with irate landowners, shoppers or whoever.
Causing an obstruction: You should note that blocking a road or pavement, even unintentionally, could be seen as causing an ‘obstruction’, and will probably cause the police to move you on. Make sure people can get past if they want to.
