Knives

Legal Guidance, Violent crime

The Code for Crown Prosecutors

The Code for Crown Prosecutors is a public document, issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions that sets out the general principles Crown Prosecutors should follow when they make decisions on cases.

Prosecution guidance

This guidance assists our prosecutors when they are making decisions about cases. It is regularly updated to reflect changes in law and practice.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Related Prosecution Guidance

Offensive Weapons, Knives, Bladed and Pointed Articles

Prosecutors should recognise that carrying an offensive weapon, or a knife, or a bladed/pointed article is a serious offence. The unlawful provision and possession of all weapons encourages violence and can cause serious injury and death in addition to facilitating other criminal offences.

Offensive Weapons, Knife Crime Practical Guidance

Introduction
Purpose
Context
Legislation
Elements of the offences
Offensive weapon
Possible defences
Adverse inferences
Bad character
The decision to charge
Cautions
Youths

Related publications

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Householders and the use of force against intruders

Violent crime

Related prosecution guidance

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Knives

The Code for Crown Prosecutors

Prosecution guidance

Related Prosecution Guidance

Further reading