As well as describing the development of this frequently prosecuted crime from the mid-19th century to the present day, this book offers a critique of the current law.
Related statutory offences are also considered, including those created by the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010, and the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012, as is the extent to which these new offences supplant the common law crime.
The author argues that breach of the peace is a crime which is open to criticism on several fronts. In particular, and notwithstanding attempts in recent years by the appeal court to narrow its ambit, it remains ill defined.