Posted on 12/22/2008 9:27:08 AM PST by BGHater
The government has been accused of trampling on individual liberties by proposing wide-ranging new powers for bailiffs to break into homes and to use “reasonable force” against householders who try to protect their valuables.
Under the regulations, bailiffs for private firms would for the first time be given permission to restrain or pin down householders. They would also be able to force their way into homes to seize property to pay off debts, such as unpaid credit card bills and loans.
The government, which wants to crack down on people who evade debts, says the new powers would be overseen by a robust industry watchdog. However, the laws are being criticised as the latest erosion of the rights of the householder in his own home.
“These laws strip away tried and tested protections that make a person’s home his castle, and which have stood for centuries,” said Paul Nicolson, chairman of the Zacchaeus 2000 Trust, a London-based welfare charity. “They could clearly lead to violent confrontations and undermine fundamental liberties.”
Bailiffs have for hundreds of years been denied powers to break into homes for civil debt or to use force against debtors, except in self-defence. In a famous declaration, William Pitt the Elder, the 18th-century prime minister, said: “The poorest man may in his cottage bid defiance to all the forces of the crown.” Ministers have now proposed bailiffs be given powers to physically remove debtors who try to defend their property, for example by draping themselves over a car or blocking the door of their home. Lord Bach, a junior justice minister, has assured the House of Lords that any new powers will be implemented only after a consultation and will not be used to search debtors’ pockets or to remove jewellery.
(Excerpt) Read more at timesonline.co.uk ...
Wow.
Reap it you fools.
L
Send ‘em back to the workhouses and debtors’ prisons!!!
Should be in bold print in the loan agreement. The applicant for the loan would have to copy the text word for word, then sign off as understanding the terms.
Not coincidental that the Brits have also banned private ownership of firearms throughout their country. I imagine that a “bailiff” or “repo man” who tried such a thing here in the states would get up close and personal with Sam Colt or his buddies Smith & Wesson.
I wonder if they can still send them to Australia?
Got that right...no weapons, no defense.
“Please sir, may I have some more?”
If this is not a reason to have the right to keep and bear arms
then nothing is
Break into my home I got something for ya.
“They would also be able to force their way into homes to seize property to pay off debts.”
In my neighborhood, we call that a loan shark.
How long before the british govenment starts shooting down its citizens in the streets?
Aren’t practices like these how one Robin of Locksley found himself a niche?
When I close my eyes, I can almost see the crowds gathering in Sherwood Forest...
I bet they broke into zero Muslim homes. The UK is joke where Mulsims and other illegals get free housing (in nice homes0 and endless other benefits. We have it here in the USA but it will get worse with Obama.
Next up, the kneecap amendment.
To be fair, in Massachusetts, constables can serve papers, but also can help to enforce the eviction, if I understand correctly. Our constables are private citizens, not government employees.
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