| 释义 |
riot
n. An offence committed when 12 or more persons, present together, intentionally use or threaten unlawful violence (see violent disorder) for a common purpose. The collective conduct must be such as would have caused a reasonable person to fear for his safety, though no-one else need be present. A person is only guilty of riot if he intended to use violence or was aware that his conduct might be violent. The offence of riot is found in the Public Order Act 1986, though it can be committed in private as well as in public places. It replaces the common-law offence of riot and is punishable with up to ten years’ imprisonment and/or a fine. Under the Riot (Damages) Act 1886, when property has been destroyed, damaged, or stolen in the course of a tumultuous riot, the owner is entitled to compensation out of public funds. See also affray. |