THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF NEW ZEALAND v. GEORGE ORTIZ, SOTHEBY PARKE BERNET & CO. AND LANCE ENTWISTLE

[1983] 2 Lloyd's Rep. 265

HOUSE OF LORDS

Before Lord Fraser of Tallybelton, Lord Scarman, Lord Roskill, Lord Brandon of Oakbrosle and Lord Brightman

Conflict of laws - New Zealand statutes - Ownership of artefact - Artefact removed from New Zealand - Whether forfeited to Her Majesty the Queen - Interpretation of New Zealand statute - Meaning of "shall be forfeited" - Whether statutes unenforceable in England as being foreign, penal, revenue and/or public laws - Historic Articles Act, 1962 - Customs Acts, 1913 and 1966.