A demonstration is an event in which a large group of people gathers to show their support for a change in the law. It is an informal pressure for change, and includes rallies, strikes, and marches.
In order to be most effective, a large group needs to be present, thus showing the existence of a significant demand for change. A recent example of a large-scale demonstration is the rally on Perth’s Cottesloe Beach, in which an estimated 6,000 demonstrators expressed their disapproval of Western Australia’s “catch-and-kill shark policy”.1 So far, this demonstration has not led to any legislative change, but has gained media and public attention.
ABC News, 2 Feb 2014, “WA shark cull: Thousands rally at Cottesloe Beach as catch-and-kill protests ramp up”, http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-01/shark-protests-wa-catch-and-kill-perth/5232480 ↩
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