Understand the words before the rule.

A numbered provision of an Act. A section can contain subsections, clauses, explanations and exceptions.

A numbered division within a section, usually written as (1), (2) and so on. For example, 318(4) means subsection (4) of section 318.

A qualifying provision, often beginning with “Provided that”. Read it with the rule it qualifies.

An example printed in the Act to explain how a provision operates. It is distinct from this website’s own learning examples.

An offence for which police may arrest without a warrant in accordance with the applicable law. The label does not mean arrest is mandatory or unrestricted.

An offence for which police have no authority to arrest without a warrant. It does not mean the conduct is lawful.

An offence shown as bailable in the First Schedule or made bailable by another law. The applicable bail provisions and conditions still matter.

An offence outside the bailable category. This does not mean bail is impossible; the applicable legal rules govern release.

Under BNS section 2(11), due care and attention are essential. Simply saying that you honestly believed something does not settle the question.

The date when a provision comes into force. This can differ from the date an Act received assent.