Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Crimes Act 1961

Crimes against public order - Unlawful assemblies, riots, and breaches of the peace

90: Riotous damage

You could also call this:

“People who break things during a big, noisy fight can get in trouble with the law.”

If you are part of a riot and you damage someone’s property, you are breaking the law. This is called riotous damage. If you do this, you could go to prison for up to 7 years. It’s important to know that this applies to everyone who is involved in the riot, not just the person who directly caused the damage.

This text is automatically generated. It might be out of date or be missing some parts. Find out more about how we do this.

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM328567.

Topics:
Crime and justice > Criminal law
Previous

89: Failure of rioters to disperse, or

“If people causing trouble in a group don't leave when told, they might get in trouble with the law.”

Next

91: Forcible entry and detainer, or

“Entering or staying on land without permission can get you in trouble”

Part 5 Crimes against public order
Unlawful assemblies, riots, and breaches of the peace

90Riotous damage

  1. Every one is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years who, being a member of a riot, unlawfully damages any property.

Notes
  • Section 90: replaced, on , by section 4 of the Crimes Amendment Act 1987 (1987 No 1).