Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act

Legislation |
15.10.2007

The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act introduces a new offence, across the UK, for prosecuting companies and other organisations where there has been a gross failing, throughout the organisation, in the management of health and safety with fatal consequences.

A draft Corporate Manslaughter Bill was published in March 2005.  This underwent pre-legislative scrutiny by the Home Affairs and Work and Pensions Select Committees.  The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Bill was introduced into Parliament last July and received Royal Assent on 26 July 2007.

The Act is due to come into force on 6 April 2008. For more information, visit www.justice.gov.uk/publications/corporatemanslaughter2007.htm