The offence of fear or provocation of violence is defined in which provision?

• A. Theft Act 1978, section 3
• B. Offences Against the Person Act 1861, section 20
• C. Public Order Act 1986, section 5
• D. Public Order Act 1986, section 4

Answer: (D)

The concept tested is recognizing which statute defines fear or provocation of violence. This offence is found in the Public Order Act 1986, section 4. It covers situations where someone uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or displays writing or signs, within the hearing or sight of another person, with the intention to make that person fear that violence will be used against them or to provoke violence, or to provoke fear or violence in others. This is distinct from offences under other Acts (for example, theft or wounding under the Offences Against the Person Act, or harassment in a different public-order context), so section 4 is the correct provision.