c. 102)[1] introduced the category of 'corrupt practices' to the English legal system, although statutes for the prevention of specific offences had been passed in 1416, 1695,[nb 1] 1729,[2] 1809, 1827, 1829, and 1842.
[12] If the election court which hears the petition determines that a corrupt practice has taken place, it issues a report finding the relevant individuals guilty.
[20] Conviction of a corrupt practice in the criminal courts can result in imprisonment for up to two years (depending on the offence) or an unlimited fine.
[21] One of the most high-profile cases of corrupt practices in recent years was that of the local government elections in the Bordesley Green and Aston wards of Birmingham in June 2004.
He accordingly reported that extensive corrupt practices had been committed, found six individuals personally guilty (although one was subsequently cleared by the Court of Appeal[22]), and voided the elections.