subject: Insurance Issues - Terrorism - Part III [print this page] The Chambers Concise Twentieth Century Dictionary defines terrorism as "an organised system of intimidation especially for political ends".
Lastly, the Concise Oxford Dictionary describes a terrorist as "a person who uses or favours violence and intimidating methods of coercing a government or community".
The Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 states in section 20 that terrorism means "the use of violence for political ends, and includes any use of violence for the purpose of putting the public or any section of the public in fear".
The ABI, in determining the extent of the suggested exclusion to be employed in relation to terrorism, defined terrorism as:
"any act of any person acting on behalf of or in connection with any organisation with activities directed towards the overthrowing or influencing of any government dejure or de facto by force or violence."
This latter definition seems to require the terrorist to be part of some organisation with political motives. Therefore, it may not cover, for example, animal rights campaigners. Although part of their motivation may be to influence the government, their main aim is direct action against individuals. A more difficult example would be Welsh Nationalists burning cottages in Wales. Again, although a subsidiary effect of their actions may be the influencing of the government, their main aim appears to be to prevent, by direct action, the forcing up of house prices and the influx of English holiday makers. As with civil commotion, it is not clear whether the test for motivation is subjective or objective. Generally speaking, most acts of terrorism are acknowledged by the organisation causing them as their main purpose is publicitytheir subjective motivation at least may also be well publicised.
Insurance Issues - Terrorism - Part III
By: Willis J. Watson
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