Legislation
A practitioner's guide to legislation relating to knife importation, sale, possession, use etc.
Overview
UK knife legislation spans multiple Acts of Parliament and creates a complex web of offences, powers, and defences that practitioners must navigate. This section provides clear guidance on the key legislation including the Criminal Justice Act 1988, Offensive Weapons Act 2019, and PACE 1984, organised by the context in which knife offences occur—from public places and schools to online sales and border enforcement. Understanding these legal frameworks is essential for effective enforcement and prosecution.
Articles
The Government is seeking views on proposals to introduce a licensing system for sellers and importers of knives and bladed articles. This aims to strengthen knife legislation, improve enforcement, and reduce knife crime.
Prevent
As part of the Government’s Safer Streets Mission to halve knife crime in a decade, the Bill strengthens the law on the online sale of knives and ensures that the police and the courts have the necessary powers to get offensive weapons off the streets.
Prevent
Guidance
Offences and Powers - Private Places
The limited legal framework for knife possession in private places, focusing on prohibited weapons which are the only type unlawful in private settings.
Pursue
Prohibited Weapons List
Complete list of weapons prohibited under CJA 1988 s.141 and related legislation, including recent additions and exemptions.
Pursue
Offences and Powers - Custodial Settings
An overview of knife and weapon offences and enforcement powers applicable in prisons, young offender institutions, and other custodial settings.
Pursue
Offences and Powers - Borders
Import and export controls for knives and offensive weapons, including Border Force powers and customs offences under CEMA 1979.
Protect
Offences and Powers - Public Places
An overview of the relevant offences and powers relating to knives applicable to officers on the street.
Pursue
Resources
CPS Knife and Other Weapons Offences - Prosecution Guidance
The Crown Prosecution Service's comprehensive guidance for prosecutors on knife and weapons offences. Covers charge selection, available offences (summary and either way), mandatory minimum sentences, sentencing, ancillary orders, and includes detailed definitions of all prohibited weapons including zombie knives, ninja swords, flick knives and more. Essential reference for understanding how knife crime cases are prosecuted.
Pursue
External Links
House of Commons Library - Knives, Offensive Weapons and Serious Violence
Comprehensive House of Commons Library briefing on the law relating to knives and offensive weapons. Covers the legal framework including prohibited weapons, possession offences, mandatory minimum sentences, stop and search powers, Knife Crime Prevention Orders, Serious Violence Reduction Orders, and recent legislative changes including the Crime and Policing Bill. Essential reading for understanding the full scope of knife crime legislation.
Pursue
External Links
Crime and Policing Bill - knife crime and crossbows factsheet
Prevent
External Links