Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Crimes Act 1961

Jurisdiction

6: Persons not to be tried in respect of things done outside New Zealand

You could also call this:

“You can't be tried in New Zealand for things you did in other countries, unless special rules say so.”

You cannot be tried for something you did outside of New Zealand. This is the general rule. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If the Crimes Act 1961 or any other law says that something you did outside New Zealand is an offence, then you can be tried for it. You can find more information about these exceptions in section 7 of this Act.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM328023.

Topics:
Crime and justice > Criminal law
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5: Application of Act, or

“This law explains where and when these rules apply in New Zealand.”

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7: Place of commission of offence, or

“This law explains where a crime is considered to have happened, even if the person who did it wasn't there.”

Part 1 Jurisdiction

6Persons not to be tried in respect of things done outside New Zealand

  1. Subject to the provisions of section 7, no act done or omitted outside New Zealand is an offence, unless it is an offence by virtue of any provision of this Act or of any other enactment.