Goff warns against vigilantism

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:00a.m.

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He galvanised 15,000 to march against crime, but the government warns protest organiser Peter Low's tough talk about hiring triads for protection could make him the criminal.

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08 Jul 2008 02:25p.m.

Jeff wrote:

If our PM feels we live in such a law abiding society, why does she have armed Police protecting her 24 hours a day. Yet if the average kiwi so much as stand up to criminals, we are written off as vigilantes. Does the government believe they can assert more control over us, if we all resign to being victims?

Maybe the Government and Police Management are just embarrassed by the fact that NZer’s are willing to take matters into there own hands to defend there families and property, it must make the authorities feel incompetent.

We are constantly told, the issue of crime in our communities, is one that must be addressed by society. Well Helen, like it or lump it, which is exactly what society is slowly waking up too. Enough is enough; if law enforcement is not up to the task of protecting my family and community, then it is my responsibility to ensure that it is.

08 Jul 2008 11:32a.m.

Richard wrote:

The modern philosophy of the justice system is for all citizens to act like cowards and let the police ,courts, councils etc. be the heroes of society.The law is not there to condemn people to worthlessness but to manifest actions that can lead to anarchy and society's demise.

08 Jul 2008 10:19a.m.

Alex wrote:

"The law is not some unimpeachable God !"

Great! Now all those "youth gangs" (they're not actually gangs, I don't know why the media calls them that) can terrorise you and tag your property because you don't care about the law.

"What would Mr Goff or the Prime Minister do if they were confronted by a murdering maniac intent on nicking their gin and tonic recite the law ?"

If someone stole my gin and tonic I don't think I'd kill them. That's seriously stupid. People have the right to defend themselves. Why do you think they don't? Where did this idea come from all of a sudden?

07 Jul 2008 07:48p.m.

nigel wrote:

The law is not some unimpeachable God ! What would Mr Goff or the Prime Minister do if they were confronted by a murdering maniac intent on nicking their gin and tonic recite the law ?

07 Jul 2008 07:06p.m.

dAN K wrote:

I too am appalled with the way in which the New Zealand Govt handles the security of it's citizens. With the recent surge of Youth Gang crimes being committed in the Auckland Region we have seen police sitting behind the tape scared and unable to help.

Why is the NZ Govt so overly 'PC'? Why are the police not even allowed to use tasers to subdue offenders who clearly have no respect and understanding of the law. They are NOT because they may hurt the criminal. If you are breaking the law what rights are you entitled too? Criminals these days are street smart and know the legal system better than some lawyers. The law is truly an Ass in New Zealand.

Why are we not allowed to defend ourselves or our families from intruders in our own homes? If you had a chance to call the police during an ordeal what is the likely hood that you will come out unhurt? The answer is sadly simple, a very real chance you will be hurt or killed. By the time the police arrive and follow 'protocol' they are merely a 'Clean Up Crew' taking away bodies or severely maimed people only to catch the offender at a later time. A time which is much too late.

The reality today is that the old 'comply with the requests of the intruders' does not work with P fueled intruders all to willing to beat someone senseless or even kill them.

If someone has broken in to your family home don't you have a god given right to protect yourself and family?? Under the current system if you hurt the poor offender you will end up being dragged through the legal system at your own expense while the offender is having you charged with assault and has a nice lawyer free of charge. Does anyone see a problem here?

I am not advocating walking the streets with weapons, I am simply saying self defense in your own home should be legal and one should be able to do so without prosecution from the police.

In conclusion: The criminals have all the rights, the Victims have none now. NSW changed the law in 2004. NZ???