Freedom of Speech

FREEDOM OF SPEECH: IF IT AIN’T BROKE, DON’T FIX IT

FREEDOM OF SPEECH: IF IT AIN’T BROKE, DON’T FIX IT

There are clear lines of demarcation between free speech and the criminal offences associated with inciting racial disharmony, or obscene behaviour. Parenthetically, the question of whether it is the role of the State to proscribe standards of obscenity might be left for another day.

JULIAN ASSANGE'S NEW ZEALAND LAWYER CRAIG TUCK: "IT'S A TRAIN WRECK" - PRESS RELEASE

JULIAN ASSANGE'S NEW ZEALAND LAWYER CRAIG TUCK: "IT'S A TRAIN WRECK" - PRESS RELEASE

In what is turning out to be a train wreck of arbitrary decision making by authorities, an Ecuadorean judge authorised the seizure of Julian’s belongings, so that US prosecutors could help themselves to items including manuscripts, legal papers, medical records and electronic equipment. Tuck describes the situation as utterly bizarre.

NAZI PUGS AND FREEDOM OF SPEECH

NAZI PUGS AND FREEDOM OF SPEECH

The right to freedom of expression and thought is one of the most important and fundamental rights. It is a cornerstone of modern society. But it comes with a very important corollary.

SIR BOB JONES MIGHT NOT BE RACIST, BUT HE WRITES LIKE HE IS

SIR BOB JONES MIGHT NOT BE RACIST, BUT HE WRITES LIKE HE IS

Sir Bob Jones’ racist diatribe against Maori, and the response calling for him to be stripped of his knighthood and prosecuted for hate speech raise big questions about the role of free speech in New Zealand society.

WHEN IS HATE A SPEECH?

WHEN IS HATE A SPEECH?

Freedom of speech, freedom of religion and accusations of hate speech have continued to go off sporadically like Guy Fawkes a week after the explosive event.