antisocialbehaviour

Anti-Social Behaviour Orders & ABCs

Here you can quickly learn what an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) is and what the main differences are when compared to ABCs (Acceptable Behaviour Contracts).

What is an ASBO (Continued)?

Young people and children who gather in public places (e.g. on housing estates, car parks, around local shops) and whom indulge in behaviour that is considered 'boisterous' doesn't classify as antisocial behaviour, even where they may be cycling, using skateboards, kicking footballs and playing loud ball games. This behaviour in it's own right is unlikely to be thought of as antisocial unless this is being done with other, more serious issues of behaviour as outlined above.

One line of defence that can be made from individuals who are faced with the prospect of having an ASBO placed upon them is that 'behaviour was reasonable'. Of course such a term is very subjective and is open to wide interpretation by the magistrates court.

The use of ('professional') witnesses in a court situation is quite acceptable and can provide further evidence-based information and facts in each case. Where witnesses feel too intimidated or frightened to give evidence, evidence can be seen first hand and then used legally by the police and authorities.

ASBO's are an expensive business - so whether or not this influences your local authority and police force to act or not is a question for you to decide! Some sources do suggest that ASBO's can cost in excess of £20,000!

ASBO's are sometimes seen as the most extreme options to be put into place (although they can be used as either first or last measures) and most often appear to be used where other legislation has failed or not been totally effective.

Acceptable behaviour contracts (ABC's) can be implemented well before an ASBO is considered or in the place of an ASBO. Although having said this many opinions on ASBO's is that they should not be used as a last resort and both ABC's and ASBO's are equally powerful measures to take and can or should be used dependant on particular circumstances.