Section 54E — Crimes Act 1900 (NSW)

Defence

(1) In proceedings for an offence under section 54D(1), it is a defence if the course of conduct was reasonable in all the circumstances.
(2) For subsection (1), that the course of conduct was reasonable in all the circumstances is taken to be proven if—
(a) evidence adduced is capable of raising an issue as to whether the course of conduct is reasonable in all the circumstances, and
(b) the prosecution does not prove beyond reasonable doubt that the course of conduct is not reasonable in all the circumstances.

Sourced from the New South Wales Legislation website at 8 June 2026. For the latest information on New South Wales Government legislation please go to https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au. Verify the current text against the official source before relying on it.

Related sections

s 54B — Offence of causing loss of a foetus (death of pregnant woman)
s 54C — Definitions
s 54D — Abusive behaviour towards current or former intimate partners
s 54F — Meaning of “abusive behaviour”
s 54G — Meaning of “course of conduct”
s 54H — Procedural requirements

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