• atx_aquarian@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    50
    arrow-down
    4
    ·
    edit-2
    7 months ago

    The occupation of a person’s non-residential property without their permission is not a crime in England

    slowblink.gif

    edit: TIL! Thanks for reminding me that if something seems far out, chances are that my understanding just hasn’t caught up.

    • tal@lemmy.today
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      40
      ·
      edit-2
      7 months ago

      Probably it’s civil law/tort law, not criminal law. Like, someone can’t go to jail for it, but can be sued over it.

      Crimes are only violations of criminal law.

      googles

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trespass_in_English_law

      Trespass in English law is an area of tort law broadly divided into three groups: trespass to the person, trespass to goods, and trespass to land.

      Sounds like that might be the case.

      Trespass in English (and Welsh) law is mostly a civil tort rather than a criminal offence. The circumstances in which it is a criminal offence are usually trespass on educational premises, railway property, protected sites, etc.[failed verification]

      Not the case here in the States:

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trespass_to_land

      United States

      In most states, a criminal trespass to land is defined by statute and constitutes a misdemeanor. In some states, it may be a felony under certain circumstances (e.g., trespassing on a research facility or school property). Remedies between private parties for trespass may include an injunction or money damages.

    • thallamabond@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      27
      arrow-down
      1
      ·
      7 months ago

      These are old laws, and maybe good ones depending on perspective. My understanding is that property should be used if abandoned.