The prevention of terrorism in British law

This new edition has arisen principally because of the introduction of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989, which represents the fourth generation of legislation to bear that title and which incorporates the most radical changes since the original version in 1974. Other important legislation includes the Aviation and Maritime Security and the Criminal Justice (International Cooperation) Acts of 1990. The courts have also provided food for thought. The Birmingham, Maguire and Guildford cases have filled many headlines. The workings of the exclusion system were examined in R. versus Home Secretary, ex parte Stitt, and broadcasting restrictions were challenged in R. versus Secretary of State for the Home Department, ex parte Brind. Lethal shootings have also fuelled some important litigation, especially arising out of coroners' inquests. As well as these domestic claims, there is the adverse decision of the European Court of Human Rights in Brogan and others versus United Kingdom. In addition to the legal output from Parliament and the judges, a stream of official and unofficial commentaries has steadily flowed by. Account must also be taken of present and future trends relating to terrorism. For example, incidents of foreign terrorism, such as the bombing of Pan-Am Flight 103 at Lockerbie, have become more prominent, as have the activities of animal liberationists. Finally, consideration must be given to the likely impact on security of the implementation of the Single European Act by the end of 1992.