Morse v R - [2010] 2 NZLR 625

Criminal law — Defences — Whether right to free speech protects burning of flag as part of anti-war protest — Whether conviction for offensive behaviour justified and proportionate restriction — New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, ss 5 and 14.

Criminal law — Summary offences — Correct test when determining whether behaviour offensive — Whether balancing of competing interests correctly applied — Summary Offences Act 1981, s 4(1)(a).

Human rights — New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 — Whether right to freedom of expression protects behaviour normally considered offensive such that conviction an unjustified and disproportionate restriction on that right — Summary Offences Act 1981, s 4(1)(a).