The Law On Knife Crime

Every year, over 100 people in Scotland are killed in violent attacks. The police and Government are taking knife crime very seriously. Under Scots Law, there is no mandatory jail sentence for carrying a knife; however, the Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006 increased the maximum penalty for carrying a knife from two to four years, removed restrictions on police powers of arrest for people caught carrying knives in public places or schools, and also increased the minimum age for buying a knife from 16 to 18.

As a result of guidelines put in place by the Lord Advocate, if you are arrested with a knife, you will not be allowed bail until you have appeared in court, and if you have already committed a violent offence, bail will be opposed.

You can find up to date information on what the Government is doing to combat knife crime at the No Knives Better Lives website.

The Law On Guns

The laws relating to firearms are reserved to Westminster, which means the Scottish Parliament does not have the power to make laws relating to gun crime. The UK’s laws on gun ownership are amongst the strictest in the world - simply carrying a gun will result in a mandatory jail sentence of five years.

Handguns were banned in 1997 after the Dunblane tragedy, and in 2006 the Government introduced the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006, which made it illegal to make or sell imitation guns which could realistically be mistaken for real guns and made the sentences for carrying imitation firearms tougher. Also, the age limit for buying airguns was raised to 18.

You can find up to date information about what the UK government is doing to tackle gun crime at the Home Office - Gun Crime website.

Why Carry A Weapon?

Some young people carry a knife or gun because it makes them feel safer, and they want to be able to protect themselves. It’s important to remember the consequences of carrying a knife or gun though – you could end up getting arrested and jailed, which could have an impact on your future career prospects or travel plans. You are also more likely to be a victim of knife or gun crime if you carry a weapon.

There are other ways of feeling safe, for example, stay with your friends, be aware of your surroundings and try not to panic if you are confronted with a group of people with weapons – if the emotional temperature rises, there is a higher likelihood of violence escalating. Check out TheSite.org website for lots of useful tips on avoiding violence.