ACTIn ForceAct
Crimes Act 1900
36CNeglect of vulnerable person
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36C Neglect of vulnerable person
(a) the person is responsible for providing care to a vulnerable
(b) the person recklessly or negligently fails to provide the
vulnerable person with the necessities of life that are a necessary
part of the care the person is responsible for providing to the
vulnerable person; and
(c) the person’s failure causes serious harm to the vulnerable
(2) Without limiting subsection (1) (a), a defendant is responsible for
providing care to a vulnerable person—
(a) if the defendant exercises control over any aspect of the care
needed by the vulnerable person; and
(b) regardless of whether the care of the vulnerable person is
short-term or long-term care.
if the defendant proves that—
(a) the defendant’s conduct was reasonable in all the circumstances;
or
(b) for a defendant who is associated with a relevant institution
providing care to the vulnerable person—
(i) the defendant’s conduct complied with—
(A) the relevant institution’s procedures and practices for
the care, supervision or control of the vulnerable
(B) the direction of a person in authority in the relevant
institution; or
(ii) the failure to provide the necessities of life happened as a
result of circumstances beyond the defendant’s control.
(4) For subsection (3) (b), a defendant is associated with a relevant
institution if the defendant—
necessities of life includes adequate food, clothing, shelter, hygiene
and health care.
relevant institution—see section 36A (5).
serious harm—see section 36A (5).
vulnerable person—see section 36A (5).