R v. Ireland

R v. Ireland (1998) is a UK legal case where the defendant was convicted of making obscene phone calls, causing the victims severe distress. The case established that attempting to cause psychological harm through such communication can be criminal, emphasizing that guilt isn’t limited to threats or physical acts—to include deliberate acts causing fear or emotional harm. The ruling clarified that even non-violent, non-physical harassment via communications can be punishable under the law if it induces significant distress or fear.