What is the primary piece of legislation governing criminal law in New South Wales?

The Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) serves as the primary legislation governing criminal law in New South Wales. This comprehensive Act outlines various criminal offences, their definitions, and the relevant legal proceedings. It addresses a wide array of crimes, including homicide, property offences, and sexual offences, and establishes penalties for these crimes. This foundational Act is central to the criminal justice system in NSW, providing the legal framework for prosecution and the rights of the accused.

In contrast, other legislation such as the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) applies at the federal level and addresses crimes against federal law rather than state law. The Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 (NSW) focuses specifically on the powers and responsibilities of police officers and law enforcement agencies, rather than defining criminal offences. The Sentencing Act 1989 (NSW) specifically deals with the sentencing of offenders, a subset of the broader criminal law framework established by the Crimes Act. Thus, the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) remains the cornerstone of criminal law within the state.