Defending peaceful climate crisis protests

Status: Won

Clients: Just Stop Oil

The Issue

The issue was the legality of the arrest and prosecution of six Just Stop Oil (JSO) protesters who briefly impeded traffic outside the Natural History Museum in London in October 2022 as part of a climate change demonstration.

Legal route for challenge

The protesters, supported by Law For Change, contested their prosecution on the grounds that their protest was justified given the importance of climate change and that the disruption caused was not disproportionate. They were represented by the law firm Bindmans and barrister Robbie Stern.

The Outcome

The judge ruled that convicting the protesters would amount to an unjustifiable interference with their rights under Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The judge considered the minimal disruption caused, the quick resolution of the traffic obstruction, and the peaceful nature of the protest.

The public benefit impact included the recognition of the importance of peaceful protest in raising awareness about serious issues like climate change. The ruling underscored the balance between the right to protest and public order, emphasising that minor disruptions in the context of significant societal issues may be justified.

The decision to reimburse travel costs and to grant a Defence Costs Order (DCO) means that the bulk of legal costs incurred by the protesters and Law For Change will be recovered, allowing Law for Change to redirect critical funds to other worthy cases.