This column is archived at: https://aardvark.co.nz/daily/2018/0614.shtml
Why aren't the people of NZ rioting in the streets that there is no justice when agents of the state choose to break the laws which are put in place to protect us?
Isn't it just a joke, and a giant waste of money to create laws which, when broken, carry no penalties for the offenders -- or even worse, place the burden of compensation on the shoulders of those who are supposed to be protected (ie: taxpayers)?
Will anything change if we don't start striking out the term "unlawful" and replace it with "illegal" -- charging the offenders with a crime that is punishable by stiff fines and/or a term of imprisonment?
Surely we ought not be handing out a universal "get out of jail free" card to every agent of the state, for when they decide to exceed their legal powers -- to the cost of those who they are meant to be protecting.