Archive for September, 2012
Fifty shades unrestricted
Thursday, September 27th, 2012The censor’s office has classified the international blockbusting romantic erotic novel, Fifty Shades of Grey, as unrestricted. That means, essentially, they’re saying that its availability is not injurious to the public good. I think it’s a sensible and thoughtful decision. But then, I would: Random House engaged me to write the submissions for them. Books like […]
Come on NZ Herald, make a clean breast of it
Friday, September 7th, 2012The Press Council has partly upheld a complaint against the NZ Herald for its inaccurate and unfair editorial on the Piri Weepu breast/bottle feeding saga. It has also upheld a complaint against the Herald on Sunday for its coverage. Thus, the papers have had to publish a summary of the decisions. (They point out that the full […]
Defending the Law Commission again
Friday, September 7th, 2012The NZ Herald’s Chris Barton takes a swipe at the Law Commission’s proposals to create a communications tribunal and a new criminal offence of using a communications device to send grossly offensive material designed to harm someone. I think the way he makes his criticisms is a bit unfair. He says the Commission’s new offence […]
Gobsmacked
Wednesday, September 5th, 2012Episode two in my exasperated campaign to let people take notes in court (Episode one is here). I understand that yesterday a Court of Appeal judge stopped someone from taking notes in the public gallery during the hearing of Greenpeace’s argument that it should be given charitable status. No information in the argument was sensitive or […]
Forum on the Law Commission’s proposals
Wednesday, September 5th, 2012Internet NZ is running a forum to debate the Law Commission’s proposals, and particularly the possible establishment of a Communications Tribunal. It’s to be in Wellington (17 September, Wellington Town Hall, 1-5pm) and Auckland (18 September, Aotea Centre, 1-5pm) . All are welcome, but you need to RSVP. Details here (including a link to the […]
Critiquing the Law Commission
Sunday, September 2nd, 2012A few days ago I sallied forth to defend the Law Commission’s proposal to establish a communications tribunal for digital harms against its critics. Today, I join their ranks. A little bit. But first, let’s be clear about what the Law Commission is expecting from its plan. It will not be a panacea. It will not […]