Plea services launched online.
Plea services launched on-line for motoring offences -
The Government has launched a new service that allows motorists charged with summary offences to enter a..link
Stop and Search Laws: Proposed Changes and Public Debate.
Police powers to stop and search are under review, with calls for expanded use to tackle knife crime—raising questions about rights, safeguards, and discrimination.
In response to rising knife crime, police chiefs have proposed changes to stop and search laws. Under current legislation—primarily the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE)—officers must have reasonable grounds to suspect that someone is carrying illegal items before conducting a search.
Critics argue that the current system is both ineffective and discriminatory. Statistics show that Black individuals are disproportionately stopped, while conviction rates remain low. Knife crime is often linked to poverty, mental health, and lack of opportunity—not ethnicity itself.
Proposed Changes Include:
- Lowering the threshold for suspicion in designated areas.
- Expanding use of Section 60 notices, which allow searches without reasonable grounds in anticipation of violence.
- Introducing education programmes for first-time knife offenders instead of prosecution.
Under the new proposals:
- Officers would still need to record the reason for each search.
-Justification requirements may be relaxed in high-risk zones.
- Social media triggers and gang intelligence may inform deployment.
Political Context: The Prime Minister opposed relaxing stop-and-search laws during her tenure as Home Secretary. However, her successor, Sajid Javid, supported expanded powers in response to public concern. The debate continues over whether increased powers reduce crime or erode civil liberties.
Why It Matters:
Safety vs. Rights: Balancing public protection with individual freedoms.
Transparency: Ensuring searches are recorded and reviewed.
Effectiveness: Evaluating whether expanded powers lead to meaningful reductions in violence.
Disclaimer: Solicitors.com is not a firm of solicitors. Content on this site is not legal advice and should not replace consultation with a regulated solicitor. We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information; however, no content is guaranteed to be completely accurate. Using this site does not establish a client relationship.
Feedback: Is there anything incorrect or missing on this page? Amendments may be accredited—please email us.
related news
Agricultural Law.
link
Aviation Law Solicitors.
This is a highly specialised area of the Law and covers both aircraft and their facilities as well as many other areas detailed here.
link
Charity Law Solicitors.
As a charity it is important to understand your legal obligations and rights, a Charity Law solicitor swill be able to help with this, find Charity Law Solicitors from Solicitors.com
link
Civil Liberties and Human Rights | Solicitors.com
Solicitors.com - if you are looking to take action under the Human Rights Act, understand your rights and how a solicitor can assist you.
link
Construction and Civil Engineering Law | Solicitors.com
link
Consumer Law, Consumer problems.
We have produced a few guides to help you but would recommend that you speak to a solicitor as all situations are different.
link
Education solicitors | Solicitors.com
link
Property Abroad.
If you are looking to buy a property abroad you will need expert legal advice, this section details services provided, and offers guidance on how to find a solicitor for your needs.
linkrecent articles
Double Jeopardy Law
What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..
linkWilful Neglect.
Social workers could face up to five years in jail should they prove guilty of wilful neglect towards children, if consultation decides to extend the law to inc..link
Appointing a Solicitor
Guide to some of the factors people use when appointing a Solicitor...link
What is a Section 60 notice?
Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year..
linkNeighbour Disputes | Nuisance Neighbours
Unfortunately, not everyone is respectful in life, most of the time we just move on and keep our opinion to ourselves, but when that comes to where we live you..link
How to apply to become a British Citizen
British Citizen application| Process.
If you are looking to apply to become a British Citizen, we recommend that you contact a firm of solicitors that have exp..link
Guide to a Prenuptial agreements.
A prenuptial agreement (prenup) is an agreement set up by a couple prior to marriage, the prenup will detail how finances work whilst married and in the event t..link
Stop and Search Laws to be changed?
Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' l..
linkThe law on Cannabis.
Anyone found in possession of cannabis could be liable to a fine or a prison sentence, cannabis is classed as a B category drug in the UK and is illegal...link
Cautions, warnings and penalty notices.
Police cautions and warnings are the same and can be issued to anyone over the age of ten for minor offences, whilst this does not count as a conviction it can..link
Handling Stolen Goods
What is meant by 'handling stolen goods'...link
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us link
Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.
Information by area of law
Conveyancing Solicitors.
Step by step guide to help you understand the process of Conveyancing and moving.
link.jpg)
Criminal Solicitors.
We have put together a few guidance notes for your help with Criminal law matters, if you require a solicitors please use the search facility or ask a question.
link
Commercial law.
If you are looking for a commercial solicitor understand your options by contacting one of the 100s of commercial law firms on solicitors.com
link
Clinical or Medical Negligence Solicitors
If you are considering making a claim for Medical Negligence understand your rights and the process, find a medial compensation solicitor via solicitors.com.
link
Personal Injury Claims.
If you have suffered an injury and are looking to make an accident claim for compensation, understand how a personal injury Solicitors can help make you injury claim for you.
link
Debt Collection Solicitors.
The amount of money owing may dictate the route you take to reclaim your money, we recommend that you discuss your situation with a solicitor, or you can call the CAB on 08454 04 05 06.
link
Dental Negligence Solicitors
To undertake a dental negligence claim you must have sustained an injury or damage, as a result of the dental treatment understand the options available to you.
link
Family Law Solicitors.
Family Law Solicitors can help you resolve the problems which may arise in the break-up of relationships, including financial issues and matters concerning any children.
link
Motoring Offences Solicitors.
Will be able to assist on all areas of Motoring Law for Example Drink Driving, Dangerous Driving, Careless Driving, Totting Up, Speeding, Driving Without Insurance motor offences.
link
Will & Probate
Find a solicitor that can assist with wills, probate and estate planning in your area.
link