The Law of Political Uniforms, Public Meetings and Private Armies

Joseph Baker's 1937 book hot on the heels of the Public Order Act 1936 and the British Union of Fascists

Author

Publisher

Printing Details

First edition. Hardback, red cloth binding with gilt titling to spine and upper board. 22 × 13.5cm. xii, 191pp + index.

Not signed but with several stamps showing the ownership of "Barrow-in-Furness Police Library" and a pencil annotation noting the legal case "Thomas v Sawkins, p44".

Full title: The Law of Political Uniforms, Public Meetings and Private Armies, Together with a Treatise on the Law relating to Public Order, Breach of the Peace, Unlawful Assembly, and Riot

This book was published at a critical moment in British history. In the mid-1930s, Sir Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists (BUF)—the "Blackshirts"—were marching through London, often leading to violent clashes with anti-fascist groups (most famously the Battle of Cable Street in 1936). In response, the British government passed the Public Order Act 1936, which banned the wearing of political uniforms and gave the police more power to stop marches. Joseph Baker, a barrister, wrote this book immediately after that Act was passed to explain the new rules to lawyers and police officers.

The handwritten reference to Thomas v Sawkins (a landmark legal case from 1935) is relevant as it established that the police have a right to enter a private meeting if they reasonably believe a breach of the peace will occur.

Condition

Whilst the book remains in strong readable condition, there is a small but unfortunate 'nibble' to the red cloth on the front joint (just to the left of the titling), and some light marking to the rear board. There is a little movement in the joints but essentially, this book remains in sound readable state. The Librarian at Barrow-in-Furness Police Library was quite liberal with his stamping, there are a number throughout the book but do not detract from the book.

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