NCJ Number
230342
Date Published
March 2010
Length
71 pages
Annotation
This report presents the results of a Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) of existing research on the perceptions of the United Kingdom public concerning the impact of counterterrorism legislation implemented since 2000.
Abstract
There is insufficient evidence on the specific aspects of counterterrorism legislation to draw conclusions that could lead to actionable outcomes for policymakers in this area. The most prominent themes within the evidence base were those of discrimination, civil liberties/human rights, and confidence in United Kingdom authorities. To provide robust evidence base, there is a need to undertake further research, specifically within subsets of the United Kingdom communities, as well as research within the Muslim community since the evidence of negative perceptions was frequently assessed as weak in the Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA). Since the implementation of the Terrorism Act in 2000, and throughout the implementation of all subsequent Acts, there has been significant interest and debate about the effects of counterterrorism legislation on United Kingdom communities. In 2008, a review of research on the knowledge, views, and perceived consequences of the counterterrorism legislation from the perspective of members of all of the United Kingdom's communities was commissioned. The Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) technique was used to filter the vast and complex information base to identify the evidence-based subset. The objective of the study was to examine what perceptions the United Kingdom public have concerning the impact of counterterrorism legislation implemented since 2000. Figures, tables, references, glossary, and appendixes 1-4