Division 2

Chapter 2 codifies the general principles of criminal responsibility in Commonwealth law. The statement of general principles is exhaustive; the principles apply to all Commonwealth offences, whether or not they are included in the Criminal Code.

The Criminal Code is expected to provide an integrated and coherent statement of the major offences against Commonwealth law. A substantial proportion of offences – primarily those of a minor or specialised nature – remains in other Commonwealth legislation.

The Code provisions on intoxication distinguish between “self induced intoxication” and states of intoxication which occur involuntarily or as a result of fraud, sudden or extraordinary emergency, accident, reasonable mistake, duress or force.