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Examples of criminal offences

Study note

Criminal law covers actions that count as crimes. These are usually investigated by the police and, if proven, punished by the courts. It helps to know some common examples, because the test often asks you to pick out which actions are criminal offences. Examples include carrying a weapon, selling or buying illegal drugs, and racial harassment.

Other criminal offences include selling alcohol or tobacco to people who are under 18. One point often tested is that carrying a weapon is a crime even if the person claims it is only for self defence; the law does not accept self defence as an excuse for carrying a weapon. By contrast, lawful activities like voting or joining a political party are not crimes. For the test, link weapons, illegal drugs, racial harassment and selling age restricted goods to under-18s with criminal law.

Memory tip: Crimes: weapons, illegal drugs, racial harassment, selling alcohol or tobacco to under-18s.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 2 · choose two

Select TWO examples of criminal offences in the UK.

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Show all questions and answers for Examples of criminal offences(2 questions with explanations)

Examples of criminal offences: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. Select TWO examples of criminal offences in the UK.

    • Carrying a knife for self-defence
    • Joining a political party
    • Selling illegal drugs
    • Voting in an election

    Correct answer: Carrying a knife for self-defence and Selling illegal drugs

    Carrying a weapon and selling illegal drugs are both criminal offences.

  2. 2. Carrying a weapon is a criminal offence even if the person says it is for self-defence.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. Carrying a weapon is a crime even if claimed to be for self-defence.

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