Posted: January 12th, 2016

EXPLAIN THE NATURE OF POLICE POWERS OF ARREST, AND OF THOSE RELATING TO STOP AND SEARCH. ASSESS WHETHER PC SHARKEY HAS ACTED LAWFULLY.

Assessment Task
Marcus, an 18 year old law student, is walking home at 1.00am after having spent the past few hours studying at the University library. He is approached by a police officer, PC Sharkey, who asks Marcus to open his bag and to also show what he has in his pockets. Marcus is fed up being questioned by the police on his way home and simply walks past PC Sharkey. The police officer grabs Marcus by the arm and pushes him against a wall and asks Marcus again what is in the bag? Marcus states that he has done nothing wrong, and that the police officer has no reason to stop him. Marcus is then pushed into a police car and is drive to the nearest police station.
EXPLAIN THE NATURE OF POLICE POWERS OF ARREST, AND OF THOSE RELATING TO STOP AND SEARCH. ASSESS WHETHER PC SHARKEY HAS ACTED LAWFULLY.
Explain every issue separately and Use IPAC: Issue, principle, application and conclusion.
Assessment criteria
• Identifies relevant areas of law and the legal issues.
• Knowledge and application of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
• Make reference to relevant case-law and further legislation.
• Understanding of the nature of police powers.
• Coherent and concise explanation of the issues, linked to the research.
• Precision in writing
• Clear structure and written presentation, referenced appropriately.