Bulletin 22 - Possession of knives - issues for schools
Legal issues bulletin 22 - Possession of knives - issues for schools
Legal issues bulletin 22 - Possession of knives - issues for schools
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The Summary Offences Act 1988 outlines the law in relation to the possession and use of knives. Principals should be aware of the following offence provisions of the Act which may have an impact on school operations:
The definition of a knife is wide and includes a knife blade, razor blade or any other blade but does not include plastic knives that are designed for eating purposes. While not entirely clear, it is likely that scissors will not fall within the definition of a knife.
The Act sets out some specific circumstances which constitute a reasonable excuse but does not limit the defence to those circumstances. It is up to the person in possession of the knife to establish that they have a reasonable excuse. Some of the specific circumstances detailed in the Act that have relevance to schools are:
It should be noted that possession of a knife for self-defence is not regarded as a reasonable excuse.
School principals should review procedures where the use of knives or knife blades is an essential requirement of a course and they are provided by the school following payment of a course or subject fee. In these situations, the knives or knife blades at all times must remain the property of the school and should be returned at the end of the course. The sale of knives or knife blades to students under 16 years of age must not be allowed.
Given the general community concern regarding knives, any arrangement where the school provides a knife or knife blade to students should include provision for the knife or knife blade to be returned at the conclusion of the class in which its use is required. This will also minimise the risk of breaches of the legislation by students. The use of knives in lessons conducted outside of school premises (e.g. excursions, field trips) should occur only in those circumstances where their use is considered essential for the purpose of the activity. Principals should ensure appropriate strategies are developed to ensure knives are used only when absolutely necessary.