Crossword Genius

Of barriers to acts of law-breaking (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

offences

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'acts of law-breaking' is the definition.
'offences' can be an answer for 'acts' (offence is a kind of act). I am not certain of the 'of law-breaking' bit.

'of barriers' is the wordplay.
'barriers' becomes 'fences' (fence is a kind of barrier).
'of'+'fences'='OFFENCES'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for offences that I've seen before include "Illegal acts, breakings of the law" , "Crimes" , "Misdemeanours" , "Trespasses" , "Breaches of the law" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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