Reply #16: The Brits are also cracking down on knifes... [View All]

[spin]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article3181965.ece

It's always interesting to see how the people involved in a situation think. Here's a link to a British knife forum: the Blades, Britain & the Law subforum... http://www.britishblades.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=39

Check out the "Ask-A-Cop, knives and related issues" and the "The Law FAQ" stickies.

A bit from "The Law FAQ" section: (note: a "lock knife" is a pocket knife that locks in the open position.)

Q: Are lock knives illegal to own?
A: No! You can quite legally buy, make, sell, import or gift a lock knife. It is perfectly legal to own and use a lock kinfe on your own property, or on private property where you have the landowners permission. It is, however, ILLEGAL to carry a lock knife in a public place, unless you have a good reason to do so.

Q: Are fixed blade knives illegal to own?
A: No!

Q: Are kitchen knives illegal to own?
A: No!

Q: Can I carry a lock knife (or a fixed blade knife) in a public place just because I feel like it?
A: No, it is ILLEGAL to carry a lock knife in a public place without a good reason.

Q: Can I carry a lock knife in a public place if I have a good reason?
A: Yes.

Q: Can I carry a fixed blade (sheath) knife in a public place if I have a good reason?
A: Yes.

Q: What constitutes a "good reason"?
A: According to section 139, subsections 4&5 of The Criminal justice Act 1988....

(4) It shall be a defence for a person charged with an offence under this section to prove that he had good reason or lawful authority for having the article with him in a public place.
(5) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (4) above, it shall be a defence for a person charged with an offence under this section to prove that he had the article with him—

1. for use at work;
2. for religious reasons; or
3. as part of any national costume.

Q: Are there any other good reasons?
A: Yes. What constitutes a good reason is a matter for common sense, the police and the courts. There is no exhaustable list defined in law. If you think you have a good reason and a police officer disagrees, it'll be up to the courts to decide your fate.