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Addressing Emerging Crimes: UK’s Legislative Response
On 22nd October, 2024, Hemen Rasheed Agha, lecturer of Public Law at the Department of Law, Cihan University – Sulaymaniyah, presented a seminar outlining the proposed changes to the UK Parliament’s Criminal Justice Bill. This bill reflects an interplay between societal pressures and legal responses, highlighting the ongoing debate about which one truly drives the other.
The proposed changes address a range of concerns. One particularly noteworthy addition is the criminalization of “dangerous cycling,” a direct response to public outcry over the rise of reckless cycling incidents. This exemplifies how the legal system adapts to address evolving social anxieties. Hemen noted Matthew Briggs’ tragic case, where his wife died from injuries sustained in a collision with a cyclist in London. Such high-profile incidents can fuel public pressure for legislative reform.
Another substantial change involves stripping parental rights from child rapists. This amendment reflects a societal shift towards zero tolerance for child sexual abuse. Public outrage over such crimes has undoubtedly played a role in pushing for stricter legal measures to protect vulnerable children.
The bill also tackles the abhorrent practice of “cuckooing,” where vulnerable individuals are exploited by taking over their homes for illicit purposes. This crime often targets the elderly, those struggling with addiction, or individuals with mental health issues. Hemen emphasised the need for legal tools to empower authorities to disrupt such activities and protect vulnerable populations. Here, the law serves to codify and reinforce existing societal values of protecting the weak.
Comparison with the Existing Law
The proposed changes to the law governing dangerous cycling represent a significant departure from the existing legal framework. Under the Offences against the Person Act 1861, section 35, a person could only be convicted of causing bodily harm if it could be proven that the bicycle had no front brake. This narrow definition of negligence was often difficult to prove in court, leading to inconsistent outcomes.
The new law, however, would introduce a broader definition of dangerous cycling, encompassing reckless or careless behavior that could lead to serious injury or death. This would make it easier for prosecutors to bring charges against individuals who engage in dangerous cycling practices, such as speeding, ignoring traffic signals, or weaving through traffic.
Concluding, The UK’s proposed Criminal Justice Bill is a comprehensive response to emerging societal concerns. By addressing dangerous cycling, child abuse, cuckooing, and other pressing issues, the bill demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and upholding societal values. The changes to the law governing dangerous cycling are particularly significant, as they address a growing public safety concern and provide prosecutors with a more effective tool to hold reckless cyclists accountable.
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