What is an Asbo?
ASBOS were introduced following the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and have been available since 1999.
They are civil orders to protect the public from behaviour that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. An order contains conditions banning the offender from carrying out specific anti-social acts or from entering specified areas.
An order can be made against anyone aged 10 or over and is effective for a minimum of two years. Applications for Asbos are made to the magistrates' court by relevant authorities, which can include local authorities, chief officers of police and registered social landlords. Criminal courts can make orders against an individual who has been convicted of a criminal offence.
Comments
by AUDREY BARRETT, stoke
Friday, May 01 2009, 12:32PM
“Why is this country so leniant with the punishment that these young thugs recieve. They just laugh in your face if you confront them. I have been a victom to these types of thugs for the last 3 years and its that bad now I feel I have to move home. Wake up parents and take control. What are your sons and daughters doing roaming the streets at 1 and 2 oclock in the morning ?”