Explanatory Notes

Armed Forces Act 2001

2001 CHAPTER 19

11 May 2001

The Act - Commentary on Sections

Part 2 – Powers of Entry, Search and Seizure

Section 8: Review by judicial officer

35.This section requires the seizure and retention of anything seized during a search authorised by a commanding officer without a warrant to be reviewed by a judicial officer. This review is a safeguard to ensure that searches without warrants are still subject to an appropriate level of judicial scrutiny.

36.The section enables the Secretary of State to make orders governing the powers and duties of judicial officers in respect of these reviews. An order under this power will be subject to the affirmative procedure and must be approved by both Houses of Parliament before being made (section 35).