Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Crimes Act 1961

Crimes against the person - Assaults and injuries to the person

199: Acid throwing

You could also call this:

“It's against the law to throw or put harmful liquids on someone to hurt or scar them.”

If you throw a harmful substance at someone or put it on them with the intention to hurt or disfigure them, you can go to prison for up to 14 years. This includes things like acid or other corrosive substances that can cause injury.

This law applies to everyone. It doesn’t matter who you are or who the person is that you’re trying to hurt. If you do this, you’re breaking the law and could face serious consequences.

Remember, it’s not just about actually hurting someone. Even if you intend to hurt or disfigure someone with a harmful substance, you can still be punished, even if you don’t succeed in harming them.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM329398.

Topics:

Crime and justice > Criminal law

198B: Commission of crime with firearm, or

“Using or carrying a gun while doing something illegal can get you in big trouble.”

200: Poisoning with intent, or

“Giving someone harmful stuff to make them very sick or upset is against the law and can get you in big trouble.”

Part 8 Crimes against the person
Assaults and injuries to the person

199Acid throwing

Every one is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years who, with intent to injure or disfigure any one, throws at or applies to any person any corrosive or injurious substance.
Repealed

Compare

1908 No 32 s 197(d)

Notes

Section 199(2): repealed, on 30 June 2002, by section 164(b) of the Sentencing Act 2002 (2002 No 9).