[Spyvie]

http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSN1319327520071213?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews

How do they define a samurai sword? Is a 10” dagger still OK, and what about a machete, or even just a pointed stick?

It's interesting that in a country with a total ban on civilian handguns, there is a problem with sword attacks. The truth is, people commit crimes, not objects... I think this illustrates that point pretty well.

[4t5]

I guess they will eventually get down to pitchforks.

[shu]

was surfing around on that subject and ran across this
http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/section12/chapter_c.html
page of guidance for prosecutors in the u.k.

interesting reading, beginning with
"...it is not in the public interest for persons to go about armed with offensive weapons. This applies even though they may believe they may possibly be attacked."

and on through
"...prohibits the possession in a public place of any article which has a blade or is sharply pointed, (including a folding pocket knife if the cutting edge of its blade exceeds 7.62cm/3 inches)."


the reversal of burden of proof
"...the prosecution do not have to prove that the defendant had the weapon with him for the purpose of inflicting injury: if the jury are sure that the weapon is offensive per se, the defendant will only be acquitted if he establishes lawful authority or reasonable excuse."
lamentably is frequently found in u.s. law.

[AndyC]

"if the jury are sure that the weapon is offensive per se"? Talk about leaping to a conclusion...

[SuperNaut]

Already being discussed Here (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=323152)

[Noxx]

As I mentioned on another board this morning...

Guns are gun, swords are gone, pocketknives and spatulas to follow.

Soon enough, the UK will enter into a Bergeron fantasia where people with large hands will have to wear padded gloves when leaving their homes.

[ShunZu]

I guess they will eventually get down to pitchforks.

Guess it's time to refresh the citizens on getting Knighted in order to be allowed to carry ANYTHING to protect one's person. Was it THAT long ago that everyone's forgotten? Man, I must be getting way too old. :) OR, possibly watch the History Channel a little too much.

[jdg]

The way the UK persecutes anybody who dares to fight back when his home is invaded, I'm not sure that having a weapon does much good there anyway.

In effect the entire country is now a free-fire zone for criminals. If it stays that way, in a few years London will look like Mogadishu.

[revjen45]

No. In Mogadishu everybody carries REAL AKs that do rock 'n' roll, RPGs, and all sorts of cool stuff. And they chew khat and smoke weed without govt interference- oh, the horror!! Probably a lot better than the pseudo-civilization of Formerly-Great-Britain where everything is illegal and the criminals are the only ones who get away with breaking the law. I would rather be one of the khat-chewing AK-packers than an arrogant fop who thinks he represents the apogee of civilization and has the obligation to force his victimization is noble outlook on the rest of the world.