Reforming Section 16 of the Theft Act

Abstract

This article addresses the Criminal Law Revision Committee’s proposals for reforming section 16 of the Theft Act 1968. It examines the three new offences that the Committee outlines, which are deception as to prospect of payment, obtaining relief from liability by deception, and making off without payment. The author notes that the Commission does not create a special offence to deal with circulation of worthless cheques, which may create issues of proof. Further, there is an argument that the penalties for the above offences are too high. Section 16 requires urgent attention, but care should be taken in its reform. Abstract by Rose Goss.

Keywords: Theft Act; Criminal Law Revision Committee; deception as to prospect of payment; obtaining relief from liability by deception; making off without payment

JEL Classification: K14