Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Related legal acts

Key definition

security definition

What does security mean? In legal practice, security means money or other assets provided as a guarantee that a legal obligation will be performed, with forfeiture if it is not. In criminal proceedings, it most often refers to a cash deposit or equivalent required as a condition of bail to secure a defendant’s attendance at court and compliance with bail; failure to surrender may lead to forfeiture. The concept and procedures are set by bail legislation and court rules in each jurisdiction. Practice varies: in England & Wales and Northern Ireland, courts commonly take recognisances, with or without sureties, and may require a...

UK Government Security Classifications and Official Secrets Acts: OFFICIAL, SECRET, TOP SECRET—law and handling principles

Published by a LexisNexis Public Law expert

Practice notes

Government security classifications

The Government Security Classifications Policy took effect in April 2014 and has seen several updates since 2018. It exists to make sure information is appropriately categorised, exchanged and safeguarded. The policy covers all information, in any medium, that is created, processed, gathered, stored or shared by government to provide services and run its operations. Classifications reflect how sensitive the material is, judged by the likely impact if it were compromised, lost or misused. It therefore applies to information in any form across government, used to deliver services and Conduct business, with handling guided by the likely impact of compromise, loss or misuse.

OFFICIAL
SECRET
TOP SECRET

Before this framework, six grades of classification were in use. The regime aims to streamline the process for handling official documents and refresh a system designed for paper-based material, with the intention of reducing costs and delay. Information marked under the former scheme did not require retrospective re-marking; however, the Cabinet Office advised that departments consider re-marking documents when they are shared outside the organisation...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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