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Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO): Section 144 criminalizes squatting in residential properties, fundamentally changing squatter rights in England and Wales. This is a key piece of legislation that makes squatting in residential buildings a criminal offense punishable by up to 6 months in prison, a fine of up to £5,000, or both.

Criminal Law Act 1977: Section 6 deals with preventing entry and occupation of premises. This Act is crucial for understanding the criminal aspects of squatting and defines the legal framework for protected intending occupiers and displacement of residential occupiers.

Protection from Eviction Act 1977: Establishes legal requirements for eviction processes and provides protection against illegal eviction and harassment. This Act ensures that proper legal procedures are followed during the eviction process.

Common Law Rights: Encompasses property owners' common law rights and the tort of trespass. These fundamental legal principles provide property owners with basic rights to protect and recover their property.

Civil Procedure Rules (CPR): Part 55 specifically deals with possession claims and Interim Possession Orders (IPO). These rules set out the procedural requirements for bringing possession proceedings in court.

Human Rights Act 1998: Article 8 establishes the right to respect for private and family life, which must be considered in eviction processes to ensure compliance with human rights obligations.

Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994: Sections 61-62 provide powers regarding the removal of trespassers, particularly relevant for dealing with groups of squatters or unauthorized occupants.

Housing Act 1988: Contains general provisions regarding property occupation and rights, providing the broader legal context for residential property matters and occupation rights.