Restriction zones for released offenders present profound legal, ethical & practical difficulties, argues Henrietta Ronson
- Examines the roots of exclusionary legislation, government promises, the pitfalls, the troubling role of barely tested algorithmic and AI-driven risk assessments in criminal enforcement, and the lessons that can be learned from the US.
The notion of separating offenders from victims through geographical boundaries is a tale as old as time. Historically, offenders were banished into exile to punish and shame. More recently, the law has implemented legislation that strives to manage risk with protection for complainants:
- Non-molestation orders were introduced by the Family Law Act 1996, one of the earliest UK laws allowing courts to prohibit an abuser from harassing or contacting a victim (including exclusion from certain areas).
- Restraining orders have been available since the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
- Sexual harm prevention orders under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 can exclude offenders from both physical and online spaces.
- Domestic violence protection orders and domestic abuse protection orders have been designed to remove perpetrators from homes and neighbourhoods.
- Antisocial behavioural orders
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