Imagine a billionaire and a multi-millionaire, going blow for
blow in a public street brawl in the middle of the day, the fight
captured by photographers and splashed across front pages of
newspapers.
Sure it's hard to believe, but exactly what is the law
regarding fighting in public? We've seen terrible consequences
of the 'coward's punch' that fells unsuspecting
victims, and toughened laws sending drunken assailants who kill to
mandatory jail sentences.
But what about public fisticuffs between mates or among family
members? Can it be a private matter where the law has no role? Does
someone have to make a complaint to police before charges are
considered?
A two-sided brawl can be classified as affray, a crime against
public order. Affray involves a disturbance of the peace that is
violent, it can be public or in private, and, crucially, a
bystander might reasonably be expected to be afraid.
