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New Zealand law explained for everyone

Crimes Act 1961

Introduction

You could also call this:

"Rules to Keep New Zealand Safe"

This law brings together and updates old laws about crimes and other offences in New Zealand. You will find all the rules about what is against the law in this one place. It combines laws from the Crimes Act 1908 and other laws that Parliament made.

The law is about crimes, which are serious offences, and other offences, which are less serious. It tells you what is against the law and what might happen if you break the law. You can look at this law to understand what you can and cannot do.

This law is important because it helps keep people safe and makes sure everyone follows the same rules. It is used by police, courts, and other people who help keep New Zealand safe. You can read this law to learn more about what is expected of you and what might happen if you do something wrong.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM327381.

Highlights from this law

Topics:
Crime and justice > Criminal law
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1: Short Title, commencement, etc, or

"This explains the name of the law, when it starts, and what parts it contains."

Crimes Act 1961

Reprint as at:
2025-04-05
Assent:
1961-11-01
Commencement:
see section 1(2)

The Parliamentary Counsel Office has made editorial and format changes to this version using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019.

Note 4 at the end of this version provides a list of the amendments included in it.

This Act is administered by the Ministry of Justice.

An Act to consolidate and amend the Crimes Act 1908 and certain other enactments of the Parliament of New Zealand relating to crimes and other offences

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