Is Blackmail Illegal In Nz
Blackmail is an illegal form of extortion in New Zealand. It is a criminal offence under the Crimes Act 1961 and can be punishable by imprisonment. Blackmail involves the threat of violence, intimidation or other unlawful activities to gain something, usually money, from another person. It is a criminal offence to threaten or attempt to blackmail someone in New Zealand.Blackmail is the crime of threatening to reveal information about a person to the public, a family member, or associates unless a demand is met. The information threatened to be revealed is usually embarrassing, damaging or sensitive, and the demand typically involves the victim making some form of payment in return for their silence.
Blackmail in NZ
Blackmail is the crime of trying to force someone to do something by threatening to reveal embarrassing or damaging information about them. In New Zealand, blackmail is an offence under section 221 of the Crimes Act 1961. This section of the Act states that ‘every one is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years who, with intent to gain any property, advantage, or benefit for himself or for any other person’, threatens to do any of the following: make an accusation against any person; expose any person to hatred, contempt or ridicule; cause any person to be avoided; injure the credit or business of any person; or do anything that is intended to cause financial loss.
This means that if someone makes threats in order to get money or other benefits from someone else, they are committing blackmail. It is also important to note that blackmail does not have to be done in writing – it can take place over the phone, in person, via text message or even online. Blackmail victims should take steps immediately by seeking legal advice and reporting incidents of blackmail as soon as possible.
History Of Blackmail Legislation In Nz
Blackmail is a serious crime in New Zealand, and the legislation that relates to it has been around for many years. The first laws against blackmail were introduced in the late 19th century, with the Crimes Act 1893 which made it an offence to obtain any money or valuable security by means of threats, duress or coercion. Subsequent legislation such as the Summary Offences Act 1953 expanded on this, introducing a range of offences relating to blackmail and threats.
In recent years, the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 has consolidated many of New Zealand’s criminal laws into one package. This act includes a range of offences related to blackmail, including an offence of receiving money or other valuable security gained through duress. It also includes provisions relating to extortion, which is similar but not identical to blackmail, and makes it an offence to induce another person to do something or refrain from doing something by way of threats or deception.
In addition to these specific laws on blackmail and extortion, there are also other laws that can be used in cases involving these types of crimes. These include provisions in the Theft Act 1968 that make it an offence to use threats or false pretenses with intent to defraud someone else; as well as provisions in the Fraud Act 2009 that make it an offence for someone who obtains property through deception or false representation.
The penalties for blackmail and extortion vary depending on the severity of the case and can include imprisonment and fines. There has also been a trend towards harsher penalties recently due the prevalence of such cases in New Zealand courts – with many judges taking a stern view when sentencing those convicted of this type of crime.
Overall, New Zealand’s laws on blackmail are comprehensive and provide clear guidance on what constitutes this type of crime – as well as strong penalties for those who are found guilty. It is important for anyone facing charges related to blackmail or extortion to seek legal advice immediately so they can understand their rights and obligations under the law.
