Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE)

Rezumat

PACE is the foundational statute governing police powers and the rights of suspects in England & Wales. It regulates stop and search, arrest, detention, investigation, and the admissibility of evidence. The Act is supplemented by detailed Codes of Practice (A–H) which police officers must follow.

Puncte cheie

• Stop and search powers require reasonable grounds for suspicion (s.1)
• Power of arrest without warrant for any offence where arrest is necessary (s.24)
• Arrested persons must be told the grounds for arrest (s.28)
• Right to have someone informed of arrest (s.56) and right to legal advice (s.58)
• Time limits on detention: 24 hours normally, up to 96 hours with extensions (ss.41–44)
• Rules on interviews, cautions, and recording (Code C)
• Court discretion to exclude unfair evidence (s.78)
• Codes of Practice A–H provide detailed procedural guidance

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