Short Answer Q’s Flashcards
(101 cards)
What does s29B MODA75 state regarding cannabis preparation?
- a cannabis preparation is produced by subjecting cannabis plant to some kind of processing that renders is unrecognisable as plant material (oil, cannabis cake).
- it is for the prosecution to prove that the preparation contains any THC.
- this process has the effect of upgrading what was originally a class C cannabis plant into a class B cannabis preparation.
Who is responsible for proving usable quantity?
Under s29A MODA75 it is not necessary for the prosecution to prove usable quantity unless the defendant puts the matter in issue.
What are two things prosecutions much prove in relation to OTS/A
- the communicating of an offer to supply or administer a controlled drug
- an intention that the other person believes the offer to be genuine
Is it possible to be charged with attempted possession?
- in circumstances where the offender receives possession of a substance that they believe is a controlled drug, however in actual fact the substance is not - the act would qualify as an attempt to possess the controlled drug
- although the act is factually impossible, it is not legally impossible as the offender has the requisite criminal intent and did the act for the purpose of accomplishing their object
What additional evidence can be used to prove intent to supply?
- admissions
- circumstantial evi (scales, cash, tick list, packaging)
- statutory presumption under s6(6)
What does s6(6) MODA75 state regarding presumptive quantity?
For the purposes of s6(1)(f), a person is presumed (until the contrary is proved) to be in possession of a controlled drug for any of the purposes in s6(1)(c, d, or e) if they are in possession of the controlled drug in an amount, level, or quantity at or over which the controlled drug is presumed to be for supply.
Presumption for supply amounts under schedule 5 MODA75
- Heroin, Cocaine - 0.5G
- LSD - 2.5ml or 25 tabs
- Meth, Cannabis Resin/Extract - 5G
- MDMA - 5G or 100 tabs
- Cannabis Plant - 28G or 100 cigarettes
- Anything not listed in Schedule 5 - 56G
What must a person prove to rebut the presumption that a drug is for sale/supply?
- the person must prove on the balance of probabilities that they did not intent to commit a dealing offence, despite the amount in their possession.
- for example - a person may argue that the suspect was heavily addicted and requires large amounts of personal use.
What is a conspiracy to deal with controlled drugs (s6(2A) MODA75)?
- conspiracy consists of an agreed intention which is common to the mind of the conspirators and a common design to commit the offence, rather than any actual action
- a conspiracy to deal with controlled drugs involves a conspiracy to commit one of the offences against s6(1) MODA75
What are the rules regarding conspiracy under s6(2A) when done in another country?
- if there is a conspiracy to import controlled drugs into NZ, and the agreement or unlawful acts are carried out in a foreign territory, it will be necessary to prove that the defendant had done something to complete the conspiracy in NZ for the offence to come within the jurisdiction of NZ courts
- in R v Johnston, it was held that the use of NZ customs and postal service by the conspirators in posting cannabis resin from UK to NZ was sufficient to being the matter within jurisdiction of NZ courts
S81 SASA - Emergency Powers criteria
Where a constable, or customs officer has RGTB that a person is in possession of, or the place, craft, or vehicle contains one of the following:
- a controlled drug
- a precursor substance
- a package in relation to which the customs officer has replaced all or a portion of any controlled drug or precursor substance
- evidential material to the commission of an offence under s6(1)(a) or s12AB of MODA75
Allows a constable or customs officer, in the course of a delivery where customs officer has exercised their powers in relation to s12 MODAA78 to
- search a person involved in the delivery
- enter and search any, place, craft, or vehicle
- seize anything that they have RGTB is a thing described in the list above (para (a-d), subsection (2)
Other emergency powers (not s81)
- in the event of the package or item in the controlled delivery is in a vehicle which you need to stop to recover the package, you can do so pursuant to s121 S&S 2012.
- if a suspect who you wish to arrest in relation to the controlled delivery is in a vehicle, you can stop the vehicle for the purpose of arresting the occupant pursuant to s9 S&S 2012.
Explain s23 S&S (internal searches)
This section relates to internal searches of persons who are under arrest pursuant to s6, 7, or 11 of MODA75, and relate to Class A, B, or C controlled drugs.
Explain s13A MODAA78 (internal searches)
This relates to internal searches of persons who you have reasonable cause to believe are concealing class A or B controlled drugs. This section applies only to people who are not under arrest.
What is the definition of evidential material?
In relation to an offence or suspected offence, means evidence of the offence or any item, tangible or intangible, of relevance to the investigation or offence.
Define private communication
- Means communication (whether in the form of oral, written, telecommunication or otherwise) made under circumstances that may be reasonably taken to indicate that any party to the communication desires it to be confined to the parties in that conversation.
- this does not include a communication of that kind occurring in circumstances in which any party to the communication ought reasonably to expect that the communication may be intercepted by some other person without having the express or implied consent of any party to do so.
What is an interception device?
- Means any electronic, mechanical, electromagnetic, optical, or electro-optical instrument, apparatus, equipment, or other device that is used or is capable of being used to intercept or record a private communication (including telecommunication)
- Does not include a hearing aid or similar device used to correct subnormal hearing of the user to no better than normal hearing.
What is a visual surveillance device?
- Means any electronic, mechanical, electromagnetic , optical, or electro-optical instrument, apparatus, equipment, or other device that is used or capable of being used to observe, or to observe and record a private activity.
- Does not include spectacles, contact lenses, or a similar device used to correct subnormal vision of the user to no better than normal vision.
What is a tracking device
a) Means a device that may be used to help ascertain, by electronic or other means, either or both of the following:
- the location of a thing or person
- whether a thing has been opened, tampered with, or in some other way dealt with
b) Does not include a vehicle or other means of transport, such as a boat or helicopter
What is a surveillance device?
- Interception device
- Visual surveillance device
- Tracking device
What are the criteria for issuing a surveillance device warrant (s51 S&S)?
a) there are reasonable grounds to -
i) suspect that an offence has been committed, or is being committed, or will be committed in respect of which this act or any enactment specified in column 2 of this schedule authorises the enforcement officer to apply for a warrant to enter the premises for the purpose of obtaining evidence about the suspect offence, AND
i) believe that the proposed use of the surveillance device will obtain information that is evidential material in respect of the offence, AND
b) the restrictions in s45 do not prevent the issuing of a surveillance device warrant in the circumstance
Do you have to identify your CHIS?
- you are not required by law to name your CHIS.
- s64 Evidence Act 2006 grants privilege to informers that protect their identity and extends to information that is likely to disclose their identity.
What was held in R v McGinty (alternative investigation technique)?
The evidence in the present case of continued heroin dealing, in respect of which the orthodox techniques such as searching premises and following vehicles had been tried without success, was sufficient.
A judge was not required to refuse a warrant because the Police had not exhausted every conceivable alternative technique of investigation.
What was held in R v McGinty (CHIS informers)?
Disclosure of the identity of the alleged informants was not required under the Act, and the trial judge was correct in deleting from the application certain parts which would have been likely to lead to the identification of informants.
However, the trial judge was entitled to insist on disclosure if he saw fit.