Bladed Article

Question 1

What does Section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 prohibit?

Answer 1

Any person who has with them any article which has a blade or is sharply pointed in a public place without good reason or lawful authority commits an offence.

Question 2

What does ‘has with them’ mean in the context of Section 139?

Answer 2

In offenders actual possession or near to hand, such as in a handbag, sock, backpack, or shopping bag.

Question 3

Where must the article be located for it to be considered ‘with them’?

Answer 3

In hands reach, such as in a footwell of a car or in a baby’s nappy.

Question 4

What types of articles are included under the definition of ‘article which has a blade or is sharply pointed’?

Answer 4

Any article which has a blade or is sharply pointed except a folding pocket-knife with a blade 7.62cm or less (three inches).

Question 5

What is an example of an article categorized as a ‘blade’?

Answer 5

The blade of a knife or sword.

Question 6

List three defenses under Section 139 for possessing a bladed article.

Answer 6

• For use at work (e.g., fishmonger, carpet fitter, chef)
• For religious reasons (e.g., members of the Sikh religion having a kirpan)
• As part of national costume (e.g., the skean dhu in highland dress)

Question 7

True or False: A folding pocket-knife with a blade longer than 7.62cm is permitted in a public place.

Answer 7

False.

Question 8

Fill in the blank: Any person who has with them any article which has a blade or is sharply pointed in a public place without _______ or lawful authority commits an offence.

Answer 8

[good reason]