United Future
Since: Aug 2007
Posts: 314

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Posted in Discussion Forum at 02:57PM, 21 Aug 2009 ∞ Permalink

Here is a think piece on reforming our Courts system, based on a recent address I gave to the English Speaking Union:

I want to offer a few insights about whether it is politically possible to reform the Courts system, but before doing so, let me make some more general observations about the New Zealand legal system. As I do so, I am reminded of Lord Acton’s famous dictum, “The most certain test by which we judge whether a country is really free is the amount of security enjoyed by minorities.”
... Read the full text of this blog post.

QuentinTodd
Since: Sep 2008
Posts: 44

Posted at 02:57PM, 21 Aug 2009 ∞ Permalink

Peter,
This is one of the most well written argument I have seen in years.

Court system reform is a contentious and slow train ride to change. Longer prison sentences obviously have not worked except to fill more cells at greater cost to the public purse. That is, we have seen more prisons built in the last ten years.

Court system reform would be an election burner for those who dare go there because it is a path less taken - if you seriously want NOT to get back into Parliament then don't take the risk of saying ' Courts reform'. The vote would not be easy would it? Those for and those against ' Courts reform'?

And to make matters even worse: illiberal public opinion will always string you up to dry if you don't take the path less taken.

It is indeed a very brave person like what you have written to take a path less taken - and court system reform is an important process not to be avoided. It is not a 'popular topic'.

Great to see such a refreshing essay on reform. I am all for it.

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