header-logo header-logo

Search & seizure: what’s reasonable?

01 March 2024 / Neil Parpworth
Issue: 8061 / Categories: Features , Criminal , Human rights
printer mail-detail
161579
Neil Parpworth assesses some key & worrying provisions in the Criminal Justice Bill
  • The Criminal Justice Bill expands police powers against citizens.
  • Covers clause 22 on the seizing of bladed articles and suspected stolen goods.
  • Covers clause 24 on warrantless entry and search.

At the time of writing, the latest Criminal Justice Bill is at the Report stage in the House of Commons. It contains a raft of provisions which range from addressing nuisance begging and rough sleeping to introducing a duty of candour in policing. For present purposes, however, the two clauses of particular interest seek to confer additional powers on the police to seize bladed articles and to enter premises to search for and seize stolen goods. Should they become law, such powers will inevitably impact upon the rights and freedoms of citizens. Accordingly, it is important to assess their scope and extent and determine whether they are subject to appropriate safeguards which are likely to prevent their misuse.

Clause 22

This provision seeks to confer a

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ Career Profile: Maria Karaiskos KC, Church Court Chambers

NLJ Career Profile: Maria Karaiskos KC, Church Court Chambers

Maria Karaiskos KC, recently appointed as the first female head of Church Court Chambers, discusses breaking down barriers, the lure of the courtroom, and the power of storytelling

1 Hare Court—Peter Mitchell KC & Amber Sheridan

1 Hare Court—Peter Mitchell KC & Amber Sheridan

Leading family law set strengthens ranks with high-profile additions

Thackray Williams—Jennifer Nicol

Thackray Williams—Jennifer Nicol

Firm bolsters commercial team with senior employment partner hire

NEWS
Michael Zander KC, Emeritus Professor at LSE, tracks the turbulent passage of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill through the House of Lords in this week's issue of NLJ. Two marathon debates drew contributions from nearly 200 peers, split between support, opposition and conditional approval
Alistair Mills of Landmark Chambers reflects on the Human Rights Act 1998 a quarter-century after it came into force, in this week's issue of NLJ
In his latest Civil Way column for NLJ, Stephen Gold surveys a raft of procedural changes and quirky disputes shaping civil practice. His message is clear: civil practitioners must brace for continual tweaks, unexpected contentions and rising costs in everyday litigation
Barbara Mills KC, chair of the Bar 2025 and joint head of chambers at 4PB, sets out in this week's NLJ how the profession will respond to Baroness Harriet Harman KC’s review into bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct at the Bar
Writing in NLJ this week, Kelvin Rutledge KC of Cornerstone Barristers and Genevieve Screeche-Powell of Field Court Chambers examine the Court of Appeal’s rejection of a discrimination challenge to Tower Hamlets’ housing database
back-to-top-scroll