Crimes Act 1961

Introduction

You could also call this:

"Understanding What is Against the Law"

Illustration for Crimes Act 1961

This law brings together and updates old laws about crimes and offences. You will find all the rules about what is against the law in this one place. It takes the best parts of old laws, like the Crimes Act 1908, and makes them clearer and easier to understand. This law is about making sure everyone knows what is expected of them. It helps keep people safe by saying what you can and cannot do. You can look at this law to see what happens if someone breaks the rules. The law covers many things, including crimes and other offences. It is a way to make sure everyone follows the same rules. You can use this law to learn more about what is against the law and what might happen if you break the rules.

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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




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1: Short Title, commencement, etc, or

"Introduction to the Crimes Act 1961: what it's called and when it started"

Crimes Act 1961

Reprint as at:
2025-11-27
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