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The crown prosecution guidelines and grossly offensive comments: an analysis

Higson-Bliss

Authors



Abstract

This article will critically evaluate the Crown Prosecution Service guidelines concerning grossly offensive comments made via social media. Abusive comments conducted online have recently dominated newspaper headlines. The Crown Prosecution Service has attempted to give clear advice to prosecutors as to when a comment made online will go from being one that is simply offensive, to one that is so grossly offensive it warrants criminal prosecution. The guidelines were first created in 2013 and updated in 2016. This article will critically examine the guidelines and grossly offensive comments made online and consider whether a coherent and accessible document has been created.

Acceptance Date Aug 14, 2017
Publication Date Oct 3, 2017
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Journal of Media Law
Print ISSN 1757-7632
Publisher Routledge
Pages 173 - 188
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/17577632.2017.1369574
Publisher URL https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17577632.2017.1369574