Section 249M — Crimes Act 1900 (NSW)

(1) For the purposes of this Part, menaces includes—
(a) an express or implied threat of any action detrimental or unpleasant to another person, and
(b) a general threat of detrimental or unpleasant action that is implied because the person making the unwarranted demand holds a public office.
(2) A threat against an individual does not constitute a menace unless—
(a) the threat would cause an individual of normal stability and courage to act unwillingly in response to the threat, or
(b) the threat would cause the particular individual to act unwillingly in response to the threat and the person who makes the threat is aware of the vulnerability of the particular individual to the threat.
(3) A threat against a Government or body corporate does not constitute a menace unless—
(a) the threat would ordinarily cause an unwilling response, or
(b) the threat would cause an unwilling response because of a particular vulnerability of which the person making the threat is aware.
(4) It is immaterial whether the menaces relate to action to be taken by the person making the demand.

Related sections

• s 249J — Custom not a defence
• s 249K — Blackmail offence
• s 249L — Unwarranted demands—meaning
• s 249N — Obtaining gain or causing loss—meaning
• s 249O — Public duty—meaning
• s 250 — False document—meaning

Research how courts apply s 249M

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