Offensive Weapons Under the Criminal Justice Act 1988

Knives are one type of offensive weapon covered by the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

The U.K. Parliament passed the Criminal Justice Act 1988 to amend prior criminal justice legislation. This included the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. In addition, it outlines regulations regarding the carrying of offensive weapons.

Purpose

The Criminal Justice Act 1988 amended several provisions in earlier U.K. criminal justice acts. The 1988 legislation gave justices of the peace the authority to permit searches of properties that may have offensive weapons.

Defined

According to the act, offensive weapons include those that have sharp points or blades. The 1988 legislation regarding these weapons makes reference to the earlier Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 1959. These weapons include knives, axes and razor blades; however, folding pocketknives are not considered offensive.

Exceptions

The Criminal Justice Act 1988 states that any person with an offensive weapon in a public place has broken the law. However, the legislation does outline exceptions to this. Individuals are permitted to carry such weapons for work, religious or national costume purposes.

References

• Office of Public Sector Information: Criminal Justice Act 1988-Preamble
• Office of Public Sector Information: Criminal Justice Act 1988-Part X 139
• Office of Public Sector Information: Offensive Weapons Act 1996-6