The campaign to oppose the introduction of Anti Social Behaviour Orders and On The Spot Fines in Ireland has been gathering momentum over the past fortnight. Just over two weeks ago, hotpress joined with USI in this campaign, becoming part of a wider alliance that also includes the National Youth Council, the National Youth Federation, the Children’s Rights Alliance, and the Irish Council for Civil Liberties.

Why are these disparate organisations opposed to the introduction of the new measures proposed by the Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell? There are many reasons, but the most fundamental is this: they are targeted at young people in a way that is thoroughly prejudiced, and is certain to do more harm than good.
The working assumption of the Government parties, as well as Fine Gael, is that taking a tough stance on so called law and order is a vote winner. Now Labour has joined that bandwagon, in the process putting political expediency above the vital issues of principle that are at stake here.

•ASBOs and On The Spot Fines run contrary to the most basic principle of justice in a democratic society: that you are innocent until proven guilty.

•They represent an abnegation of responsibility on the part of the State to help those who are troubled or vulnerable, especially as a result of disadvantage.

•In particular they substitute coercion for the kind of constructive intervention in the lives of those who are in dysfunctional family situations – and who are at risk of drifting into criminality as a result – by dedicated social workers and Gardai that is already provided for under the law.

•They give to the Gardai an unwarranted power to target individuals and groups, in a way that is inimical to the individual’s right to personal freedom.

•They leave individuals, including children, vulnerable teenagers, and other social outsiders open to the whimsical abuse of power by individual Gardai.

•In doing so, they will certainly lead to miscarriages of justice, dragging people, and young people in particular, into the net of what is defined as criminal.

•Besides, ASBOs are not necessary. If the provisions of the Children’s Act were implemented, then there would be no need for new measures of the kind proposed.

•In the UK, ASBOs have proven to be a failure. More under 18s are in jail now than ever before as a result of their implementation.

For all of the above reasons, and more, Hot Press has become involved in the campaign against these aspects of the Criminal Justice Bill. The petition we have launched has already attracted thousands of signatures, including from many successful Irish musicians.
It is important to do everything possible to oppose the introduction of what amounts to Big Brother policing to Ireland. To support the petition, go immediately to hotpress.com – a panel on the home page will take you through to the area where you can sign.
There is much to read on this vital issue elsewhere in Hot Press (see The Whole Hog, page 15, and also Page 77). There is also copious information on Hotpress.com. But in all cases the road leads to one conclusion: the campaign needs your support. Sign yourself – and spread the word. To paraphrase, for evil to triumph it is necessary only for good people to do nothing.
Do it now.