Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Crimes Act 1961

Procedure - Trial and sentence

357: Special pleas

You could also call this:

“Ways to defend yourself in court that are different from saying you're not guilty”

You used to be able to make special pleas in court. However, this is no longer possible. The law that allowed for special pleas was removed on 1 July 2013. This means that you can’t use special pleas anymore when you’re in court for a crime.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM331707.

Topics:

Crime and justice > Criminal law

Crime and justice > Courts and legal help

356: Plea, or

“This explains how a person tells the court if they did or didn't do something wrong.”

358: Pleas of previous acquittal and conviction, or

“You can't be tried again for a crime you've already been found guilty or not guilty of in the past.”

Part 12 Procedure
Trial and sentence

357Special pleas (Repealed)

Notes

Section 357: repealed, on 1 July 2013, by section 6 of the Crimes Amendment Act (No 4) 2011 (2011 No 85).