When is a Chemical Weapon Not a Chemical Weapon?

Abstract

This article seeks to highlight the difficulties encountered in the interpretation of the prohibition on the use of chemical weapons in the Chemical Weapons Act 1996. In particular, the application of ‘the act’ against individuals in the domestic criminal courts as opposed to larger entities and nation states. An example is given from the first instance decision in the case of Regina v Mohammed Amer Ali heard at the Central Criminal Court between 7 and 14 July 2015.