stalking
Persistent threatening behaviour by one person against another. The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 creates two offences relating to stalking. If the harasser’s behaviour makes the victim fear for his or her safety, the maximum penalty is two years’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. When the behaviour does not lead to a fear of violence but does cause distress, the maximum penalty is six months in prison and/or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum. The behaviour must have taken place on more than one occasion and the prosecution must show that a reasonable person would realize that the behaviour would have the effect of causing the victim to fear violence or feel harassed (Kelly v DPP (2002) 166 JP 621). Both offences are immediately arrestable without a warrant, and the police have power to search the harasser’s property. The courts may make a restraining order immediately after convicting a person of either of the two offences. In Scotland the common law has always provided protection against stalking through the offence of breach of the peace. See also molestation.

• deceit
• deceit malice
• deception
• decisions of the EU
• declaration
• declaration against interest
• declaration concerning pedigree
• declaration concerning public or general rights
• declaration in course of duty
• declaration of incompatibility
• declaration of intention
• declaration of parentage
• declaration of trust
• declaratory judgment
• declaratory theory
• decompilation
• decree
• decree absolute
• decree nisi
• decree of presumption of death and dissolution of marriage
• deductions
• deed
• deed of arrangement
• deed of covenant
• deed of family arrangement