INDEPENDENT NEWS

Court decision a blow for free speech

Published: Thu 11 Aug 2005 06:51 PM
Court decision a blow for free speech
Stephen Franks Thursday, 11 August 2005
Press Releases - Crime & Justice
The High Court decision may be temporarily good for democracy this week but it's bad for free speech in the long run and respect for the rule of law, ACT Justice spokesman Stephen Franks said today.
"When a judge feels free to substitute his opinion of newsworthiness and entitlement to coverage for that of a private broadcaster, who has volunteered to time for a political debate, what's to stop the next judge deciding who isn't fit to be heard.
"Will the judge take the logical and perhaps necessary next step and order private news media to run issues they decide to leave alone entirely to avoid having to spend time and money on their lawyers second guessing a court's opinion on who deserves coverage?
"Of course if judges wanted a legitimate sphere in which to make rulings like this the target should be state radio and television.
"It's legitimate for taxpayers to wonder why requirements for balance are so obviously ignored by state radio that should be non- partisan.
"Good Luck to Messrs Dunne and Anderton. A pity about freedom of speech and property rights," Mr Franks said.
ENDS

Next in New Zealand politics

Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
By: New Zealand Government
Parliamentary Network Breached By The PRC
By: New Zealand Government
GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan
By: New Zealand Government
Tax Cuts Now Even More Irresponsible
By: New Zealand Labour Party
New Zealand Provides Further Humanitarian Support To Gaza And The West Bank
By: New Zealand Government
High Court Judge Appointed
By: New Zealand Government
View as: DESKTOP | MOBILE © Scoop Media