[Janq]

Below is an article by the Minister for Justice of Scotland in regard to their own issues with citizens, crime, and criminals, who there carry and use knives as firearms are banned.

For those persons, North Americans, who believe that eliminating firearms from society will magically make crime 'disappear' and result in criminals who will en masse join church choirs should take note of what all is going on in Scotland, and what their government proposes to do...

1. Every year in Scotland, far too many people are badly injured and killed by knives. In 2004, Scotland had the 4 th highest incidence of death by violence in the European Union. Year upon year, murder statistics show that knives and other sharp items continue to be the most common method of killing in this country, consistently accounting for around half of all murders each year.

Knife crime statistics for Scotland

Year | Total number of murders - Number of murders with knives

2003 | 108 - 55

2002 | 128 - 68

2001 | 110 - 49

2000 | 105 - 43

1999 | 119 - 66

1998 | 97 - 42

13. That review identified a number of actions which could be taken, to strengthen the laws on selling and carrying knives. In November 2004, the First Minister announced the following five point plan:

* Doubling the penalty for possession of a knife in a public place, from 2 years to 4 years;
* Increasing the use of stop and search powers by the police, and enhancing police powers of arrest, so that arrests could be made on the suspicion that someone was carrying a knife or an offensive weapon;
* Increasing the minimum age at which a knife can be sold to someone from 16 to 18;
* Creating a licensing scheme for the sale of non-domestic knives; and
* Banning the sale of swords.

16. We therefore intend that knives which are designed for domestic purposes, such the preparation and consumption of food or DIY tasks, should not be covered by the proposed increase in the minimum age at which a knife can be sold to someone or any further restrictions on sale we introduce.

17. Instead, we believe that proposals to restrict the sale of knives should focus on those knives which do not have a clear and unambiguous domestic purpose. In particular we want to catch so-called combat knives and others more suitable for slashing, stabbing and fighting than for any domestic purpose.

18. Our proposed definition of a "non-domestic" knife is: "a knife which has a blade or sharp point, and which s not designed only for domestic use, or only for use in the processing, preparation or consumption of food."

The full article which is very detailed with facts, figures, and statistics can be found at; http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2005/06/27110147/01543

- Janq

"By reviewing and updating our laws on knife crime, we can help the police make communities safer by sending a clear message that such misconduct cannot, and will not be tolerated. A clear message that those who persist in flouting the law, and endangering others, can expect to pay a hefty price in our criminal courts." - Cathy Jamieson, MSP, Minister for Justice, Scotland

 

[DJ 9iron]

What a cluster fuck.

 

[only mortal]

17. Instead, we believe that proposals to restrict the sale of knives should focus on those knives which do not have a clear and unambiguous domestic purpose. In particular we want to catch so-called combat knives and others more suitable for slashing, stabbing and fighting than for any domestic purpose.

Wait, somehow this all sounds strangely familiar...

While politicians wheel and deal with banning "dangerous items" the underlying social problems causing the violence in the first place go neglected. You can't legislate morality into existence, no more than you could pass a law mandating optimisim or goodwill or any other internal virtue.

good post Janq, darkly funny, at least to me.

 

[fatcat]

"In particular we want to catch so-called combat knives and others more suitable for slashing, stabbing and fighting than for any domestic purpose. "

lol... They have learned how to get things banned there by watching the US. They give it a scary name. "Combat knifes" Kinda like "Assault rifle"... Hm...

 

[MrMcCrackin]

next to go "tactical items" ............LOL


maybe i shouldnt be laughin

 

[fatcat]

NO TACTICAN VEST FOR YOU! It looks scary....