A new Criminal Justice Bill is currently being pushed through the Dail by the Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell. A myriad of dangers to civil liberties lurk in what is essentially a highly repressive piece of legislation. We want to focus on a small number of these here.

It is our belief that, in introducing On The Spot Fines, Anti Social Behaviour Orders and tagging of offenders to Ireland, the Criminal Justice Bill represents a new low in Irish political life, introducing a kind of Big Brother policing here for the first time.

Under the terms of the bill, a Garda can serve an On The Spot Fine on an individual, if he (or she) has ‘reasonable grounds’ for believing that a person is committing or has committed an arrestable offence. The garda does not need proof, or even compelling evidence, that the person has been breaking the law.

These powers, which are being given to Gardai, are wide open to abuse. Which means that, just as certainly as night follows day, we will see at least low-level miscarriages of justice as a result – and consequently an increased level of frustration, alienation and disenfranchisement among those targeted by the legislation.

The introduction of ASBOs will allow Gardai to apply to the courts for an Anti Social Behaviour Order, which will prohibit a specified person from behaving in what is considered to be an offending way. This will be done by way of a civil procedure, a less rigorous process, and one that will be more open to abuse, than criminal proceedings.

The bottom line is that, like on the spot fines, ASBOs are likely to be targeted at young people, and at young working class males in particular. In this there is implicit a discrimination against young people in general, and young men in particular, which is deeply repugnant and both philosophically and politically misguided.

Which is why Hot Press has decided to join forces with the Union of Students in Ireland, as well as supporting other groups like the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and the National Youth Federation, in campaigning against the introduction of ASBOs.

To do nothing while legislation of this kind is going through the Dail would be an abnegation of our responsibility, as individuals and as citizens. Do we want our children, teenagers and young adults to have the long arm of the law reaching into their lives in the most intrusive and potentially discriminatory manner?

If not, then sign the petition straight away.

For further background, read the current issue of Hot Press.

See also:
www.hotpress.com/politics/themessage/
www.hotpress.com/politics/wholehog/