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Archive for August, 2017

Scandalised by the Law Commission’s recommendation

Wednesday, August 23rd, 2017

In my last post, I discussed the Law Commission’s report on contempt of court. I generally supported the recommendations. Here’s one I think they got wrong. The Commission proposes replacing what is now called “scandalising the judiciary” with a new, more limited, statutory offence. I think it should be scrapped altogether, as has been done in […]

The Law Commission reports on Contempt of Court

Wednesday, August 23rd, 2017

A press conference ignored A press conference on the Todd Barclay affair rather gazumped the launch of the Law Commission’s report on contempt of court in June. No-one from the media turned up. That’s a shame, because the Commission is recommending some significant changes. Some notable recommendations In 2014, I commented on the Commission’s discussion paper, […]

Winston Peters sues for defamation

Friday, August 18th, 2017

Winston Peters has sued AM Show presenter, former Black Cap opener, and general larrikin Mark Richardson for defamation. The NZ Herald summarises the offending statements: Richardson said Peters was a “political predator” and took advantage of civil unrest to grandstand, attaching himself to an injury like a “political white blood cell”, or pus. Now, I haven’t […]

What to know what’s happening in Charlottesville?

Friday, August 18th, 2017

Do yourself a favour and watch this.

Check this out

Wednesday, August 16th, 2017

The Spinoff has a terrific tool that lets you see and compare the leading parties’ election policies. You can tick your favourites and then see which way you lean based on your policy choices. It is beautifully done. It almost makes you feel as if we’re living in a democracy where people choose the party […]

Hammering the MC

Friday, August 11th, 2017

Mike Hosking for TVNZ election debate moderator? Doesn’t look like many would vote for him, even though he’s the best person for the job according to a very well-placed source. The problem is obvious. He is, in fact, biased. Apparently this doesn’t concern TVNZ, which seems remarkable right there. On the other hand, as Bill […]

A couple of significant defamation appeals

Tuesday, August 8th, 2017

In defamation law, there are three basic defences. The first one, aptly called “truth”, protects you if you basically got it right. The second is called “honest opinion”. You can use it where you’ve clearly expressed an opinion, it’s honest, and its based on facts you have set out or which are generally well known. […]

Protection of journalists’ sources

Monday, August 7th, 2017

Here’s a useful resource for journalists trying to communicate with confidential sources without leaving electronic (or other) footprints that might unwittingly burn them.