The idea
Since 1993 it has been illegal to carry a safe locking, folding penknife due to a highly unjust piece of case law. This causes confusion amongst the general public and prevents ordinary, law-abiding people from carrying a safe, everyday tool. I would repeal Harris vs DPP 1993 and amend section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act (1988) to specifically allow both locking and non-locking folding penknives with a blade that has a cutting edge not exceeding 3-inches in length.
Why is it important?
This law causes confusion amongst the general public and prevents ordinary, law-abiding people from carrying a safe, everyday tool. When the Criminal Justice Act (1988) was drafted Parliament they made it clear that they didn't want to ban folding, locking penknives but later in 1993 this case-law incorrectly banned them.
In 2008 I was arrested, prosecuted and acquitted for REFUSING A CAUTION for 139 CJA having a lock knife packed in a tool bag packed in a trailer behind my bicycle.
In 2010 I was arrested and NFA for REFUSING A CAUTION for having a lock knife in and electrical tool box locked in the boot of my car.
On the first occasions, after an unlawful search under section 1 PACE, on the second occasion, allegedly on suspicion based on PNC record of first arrest.
This was on these occasions connected to photography during policing operations, which the police do not like but is not unlawful. So they simply look for some other excuse to put you out of action. Well done, the fair old british bobby.
Henry.