Skip to content

Section 8: Interpretation

Public Order Act 1986 (1986 c. 64)

(8) In this Part—

“dwelling” means any structure or part of a structure occupied as a person’s home or as other living accommodation (whether the occupation is separate or shared with others) but does not include any part not so occupied, and for this purpose “structure” includes a tent, caravan, vehicle, vessel or other temporary or movable structure;

“violence” means any violent conduct, so that—

except in the context of affray, it includes violent conduct towards property as well as violent conduct towards persons, and

it is not restricted to conduct causing or intended to cause injury or damage but includes any other violent conduct (for example, throwing at or towards a person a missile of a kind capable of causing injury which does not hit or falls short).

Reproduced from legislation.gov.uk as captured on 2026-10-04. Statute is amended over time — check the source below for the version in force. This is a reference, not legal advice.
View s.8 on legislation.gov.uk

Where this section is applied on BlueLineHub

Officer reference cards that cite this provision.

Offence cards

Source: legislation.gov.uk, Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.