Nothing is an offence which is done by a person who is bound by law to do it or justified by law in doing it.
Section history
Section 76 — Act done by person bound, or justified by law
As in force on 30 May 2025.
Timeline 3 versions
- 30 March 1987 Enacted
- 1 January 2020 Act 15 of 2019
- 30 May 2025 You are here
- 17 August 2026 Latest
Illustrations
(a) A, a soldier, fires on a mob by the order of his superior officer, in conformity with the commands of the law. A has committed no offence.
(b) A sees Z repeatedly stabbing Y with a knife on a public road. Y dies. A, in the exercise of the power which the law gives to all persons apprehending murderers in the act, forcefully seizes Z, in order to detain Z so that Z can be arrested by the police officers when they arrive. A has committed no offence.