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Written question asked by Alexander Stafford (Conservative) on Tuesday, 12 September 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 14 September 2023. It was answered by Edward Argar (Conservative) on Wednesday, 20 September 2023 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.


Burglary: Self-defence

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what advice his Department provides on what constitutes reasonable self-defence for householders defending their property from intruders.

Answer

The Ministry of Justice does not issue advice on criminal offences or defences. Responsibility for operational guidance on such matters are the responsibility of the individual criminal justice agencies.

Where there is legislative change made by the Ministry of Justice, it will circulate an explanation of the changes that have been made but this does not constitute legal advice. A circular was published on 26 April 2013 on the “use of force in self-defence at place of residence” outlining the legislative changes that were to be made to it by section 148 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 and section 43 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013. The circular is available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/192945/self-defence-circular.pdf.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
199229
Session
2022-23
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Burglary Self-defence
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk