Cameron v R - [2018] 1 NZLR 161

Criminal law — Defences — Mistake of law — Belief controlled drug analogues limited to analogues of drugs listed in Schedule — Whether mistake of law — Whether definition of controlled drug analogue indeterminate — Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, s 2(1), Part 7, sch 3.

Criminal law — Mens rea — Whether ingredient of offence — Whether and when Crown required to establish mens rea — Whether and when mens rea assumed from facts — Whether and when judge to direct jury on absence of mens rea — Whether recklessness sufficed for mens rea — Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, s 2(1).

Criminal law — Offences — Whether definition indeterminate — Whether Court to disapply definition — Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, s 2(1).

Criminal law — Offences — Misuse of drugs — Whether “controlled drug analogue” limited to analogues of drugs listed in Schedule — Whether “substantially similar” structure question of fact or law — Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, s 2(1), Part 7, sch 3.