2007-03-01
Section 14 – Powers of search and seizure of evidence and powers of search for victims
(1) Where a Justice of the Peace is satisfied by information on oath, and such further information as he may in the circumstances require, that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that
(a) evidence of or relating to an offence under this Act is to be found on any premises specified in the information;
(b) a victim is unlawfully detained for purposes of or relating to an offence under this Act in any place within the jurisdiction of the Justice of the Peace,
the Justice of the Peace may, subject to this section, act in accordance with subsection (2).
(2) The Justice of the Peace may issue a warrant authorizing the constable named therein to enter the premises specified therein, with such assistance and by the use of such force as is necessary and reasonable to
(a) enter upon the premises;
(b) search the premises for evidence of or relating to an offence under this Act;
(c) search the premises for any victim unlawfully detained for purposes of or relating to an offence under this Act; and
(d) in the case of
(i) paragraph (b), seize any property found in the course of the search that the constable
believes on reasonable grounds to be evidence of or relating to an offence under
this Act; and
(ii) paragraph (c), take the victim to or keep the victim in a place of safety or other lawful place, until the victim can be brought before the Justice of the Peace.
(3) The Justice of the Peace before whom the victim is brought may cause the victim to be dealt with as the circumstances may permit or require for the protection and welfare of the victim and in accordance with the proper administration of justice.
(4) For the purposes of this section “an offence under this Act” refers to an offence which has been committed or is about to be committed.
Section 15 – Offence of threatening, obstructing, etc., constable
Any person who threatens, assaults, or obstructs a constable acting in the execution of his duty under this Act commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction in a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months.
Section 16 – Regulations
The Minister may make regulations for carrying into effect the objects and purposes of this Act either generally or in relation to any particular case.
Section 17 – Order to increase fines
(1) The Minister may by order published in the Gazette increase the fines provided under this Act.
(2) An order under subsection (1) shall be subject to affirmative resolution.
