Points & Blades

Question	Answer
What legislation covers Points & Blades	s.139 Criminal Justice Act (1988)
What is the definition of the offence?	s.139(1) It is an offence for a person to have with him any article which has a blade or is sharply pointed in a public place without good reason or lawful of authority
Who's responsibility is it to prove the 'good reason/lawful authority'?	The carrier's
Are there any exceptions to the rule?	Yes. Where the blade is FOLDING, NON-LOCKABLE and is 7.6cm/3 inches OR LESS. However, if it locks it's illegal, regardless of length!
What are the defences? (Good Reason/Lawful Authority)	For use at work. Religious reasons. Part of a national dress. Educational purposes.
Schools	s.139A makes it an offence for a person to carry a blade or pointed article on a School Premises. Same exceptions and defences apply. ONLY applicable to Primary and Secondary Schools!
Points & Blades or Off Weaps?	A person should be arrested for 'Offensive Weapon' WHERE POSSIBLE, rather than Points and Blades.

Resource summary

	Created by ben.furneaux about 11 years ago