Posts by Stephen Judd

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  • Hard News: Contains strong language,

    It's more complicated than that, Weston.

    The second part of the test - whether an ASBO is necessary to prevent further harm - is on the civil standard.

    As to the breaching part, while I accept that it is treated as a crime, I am still bothered by the ability for a court to create a personalised crime, just for you. I don't like that idea either.

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 3122 posts Report

  • Southerly: Late for What?,

    Did I understand that last para right? Mazel tov!

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 3122 posts Report

  • Hard News: Contains strong language,

    As ASBO's are made by civil courts, they are made on the civil standard of proof.

    Uh, yes. That is exactly right, and exactly the problem: criminal sanctions applied without the same standard of proof normally required.

    All the justified cases in the world won't convince me that beyond reasonable doubt isn't a good idea.

    I read that article by Blair, canting weasel that he is, some time ago, and I wasn't impressed then either.

    If you believe in legislating for decency, move to Singapore.

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 3122 posts Report

  • Hard News: Contains strong language,

    Weston, the issue is not so much with the behaviour prohibited, but with the process of the prohibition. A civil order requires a lower standard of proof. And we're talking about fairly basic things like freedom of movement, freedom of expression, and freedom of association here.

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 3122 posts Report

  • Random Play: We . . .the People?,

    On Natrad this evening I caught the tail end of an interview with Paul Morris of VUW, advocating the teaching of different traditions' texts and beliefs in schools, in a comparative sort of way. He seemed to think this would be a good thing, lead to understanding, etc. I thought it was charmingly naive.

    As an atheist, I don't want my children's heads polluted with religion. And if I belonged to one of the many sects that claims exclusive truth, I'd probably be equally cross. Not to mention the potential for people to claim that their faith is mispresented...

    Unfortunately the growing tendency to make public events more bicultural, which in principle I applaud, has also provided a back door for Christianity to reappear on formerly secular occasions, since karakia and other manifestations of the spiritual play such an important part in traditional Maori culture. I'm sure that's one source of tension Tamaki can and will exploit in future.

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 3122 posts Report

  • Random Play: We . . .the People?,

    Intolerance is a, you should pardon the word, fundamental part of his religion. All other gods are false gods. Various kinds of sex behaviour are sins. And so on.

    He can't follow his religion and be tolerant, otherwise it would be a different religion....

    maybe if we just ignore him he'll go away?

    ... and that's why he won't go away if ignored.

    I suspect Tamaki's more effectively promoting the cause of a secular society than many a person who actually sets out to do so.

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 3122 posts Report

  • Hard News: Contains strong language,

    Add North Korea to list of left wing hell holes that the "human rights" and various leftist activists have completely ignore for decades, because it doesn't fit their preferred narrative of the world.

    Um, really? Examples, please.

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 3122 posts Report

  • Hard News: Contains strong language,

    It's clear from today's Public Address that while David Slack has realised that television news is actually a communal ritual celebrating shared mores - like medieval morality plays - Russell still clings to the outdated notion that because it is called news, it is news.

    The sooner you accept that its function is emotional and its information content a happy accident, the more at peace you will be.

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 3122 posts Report

  • OnPoint: Spoonfuls of sugar,

    pointless, tribal, dysfunctional public confrontation with each other. We don't run our families and businesses like this,

    Heh, some people have a sheltered life :)

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 3122 posts Report

  • Stories: Injuries,

    that nether region inbetween my arse and my scrotum

    That would be what our American friends call the taint. 'taint one thing nor the other.

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 3122 posts Report

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