ACTIn ForceAct
Firearms Act 1996
10Meaning of possession
Start here
Get a plain-English read of 10
Turn the raw legal text into a practical explanation grounded in Firearms Act 1996.
10 Meaning of possession
(1) For this Act, a person has possession of a firearm if the person—
(a) has the firearm on their person, including in something carried
or worn by the person (physical possession); or
(b) has the firearm at premises owned, leased or occupied by the
person; or
(c) otherwise has the care, control or management of the firearm.
Example—possession
Simon buys a firearm illegally. He hands it to Penny to look after it for him while
he appears in court. Simon still has the care, control or management of the firearm
and so has possession of the firearm. Penny holds the firearm and also has
(2) Also, for this Act, a person has possession of a firearm if—
(a) part of the firearm is in the person’s possession; and
(b) other parts of the firearm are in the possession of 1 or more other
people; and
(c) at least 1 of the other people is in possession of the other part or
parts for an agreed purpose with the person; and
(d) the parts would make up the firearm if fitted together.