Firearms Flashcards
Definitions of Firearms
(section 57 (1) Firearms Act 1968),
A firearm is “a lethal barrelled weapon of any description from which any shot, bullet or other missile can be discharged”
There are many different types of firearm such as revolvers, pistols and rifles.
Firearms are loosely grouped into four categories under the Firearms Act 1968.
Section 1 firearms
Shotguns
Air weapons
Prohibited weapons
The parts of a firearm
Te term “component part” may be held to include (i) the barrel, chamber, cylinder, (ii) frame, body or receiver, (iii) breech, block, bolt or other mechanism for containing the charge at the rear of the chamber (iv), any other part of the firearm upon which the pressure caused by firing the weapon impinges directly. Magazines, sights and furniture are not considered component parts.
They are all legally controlled so cannot be bought separately and built.
Types of guns
Revolver (cylinder revolves as fired).
Pistol (fed by removable magazine)
Rifle (long distance)
Possession of Firearms by Adults
The Firearms Act 1968 creates offences of:
Section 1 - Possession of a firearm/specially dangerous air weapon and certain ammunition without a certificate.
Section 2 - Possession of a “shotgun” without a certificate
Section 5 - Possession of a prohibited weapon.
Firearms certificates
Certificate needed for s 1 firearms, shotguns, some types of ammunition and any component parts of a firearm.
Other categories of firearm. such as air weapons and some imitation firearms do not require certificates.
s 48(1) of the Firearms Act 1968 states police have the power to what?
Demand the production of a firearm certificate from any person whom he/she believes to be possession of nay firearm/ ammunition requiring one.
If they can’t/ don’t it can all be seized.
The Firearms Act 1968 creates offences of:
Section 16
Section 16 Possession of a firearm or ammunition with intent to endanger life.
The Firearms Act 1968 creates offences of:
Section 16A
Section 16A Possession of a firearm or imitation with intent to cause fear of violence.
The Firearms Act 1968 creates offences of:
Section 17(1)
Section 17(1) Using a firearm or imitation to resist or prevent lawful arrest of himself or another.
The Firearms Act 1968 creates offences of:
Section 17(2)
Section 17(2) Possessing a firearm or imitation whilst committing certain offences which are set out in Schedule 1.
The Firearms Act 1968 creates offences of:
Section 18
Section 18 Carrying a firearm or imitation with intent to commit an indictable offence or to resist arrest or prevent the arrest of another.
The Firearms Act 1968 creates offences of:
Section 19
Carrying a loaded shot gun, air weapon, (whether loaded or not), any other firearm (whether loaded or not) together with ammunition suitable for use in that firearm or an imitation firearm in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.
The Firearms Act 1968 creates offences of:
Section 20
Entering a building or part of a building as a trespasser without reasonable excuse whilst having with him a firearm or imitation. Distinguish possession from “having with him”.
The Firearms Act 1968 creates offences of:
Section 21
Section 21 Possession of a firearm by persons previously convicted of crime.
A police officer can require any person to hand over a firearm/ ammunition for examination under what legislation?
s 47(1) of The Firearms Act 1968
The officer must have reasonable cause to suspect person is in possession of a firearm in a public place, or is committing or about to commit a relevant offence.
Failure to hand over firearm or ammunition on demand by constable is a summary offence and the penalty is three months imprisonment and/or a fine.
(5) For the purpose of exercising the powers conferred by this section a constable may enter any place