Sir Robert Jones Defamation Case May Settle ‘Racism’ Definition . . But It Also Created Another Knighthood Issue

The defamation trial between Sir Robert Jones and Renae Maihi saw Sir Robert’s lawyer Fletcher Pilditch corrected on his reference to his client as “Sir Jones”, as the Wellington trial commenced today.

Pilditch, a former Crown Prosecutor in Rotorua, will need to be on his mettle for a case involving a satirical column written about Maori in the National Business Review.

Sir Robert, a well known commentator, humourist, libertarian and writer as well as a long-standing businessman and LawFuel contributor, is preparing a robust defence of the allegation of racism. He is seeking a declaration of defamation rather than damages.

The 2018 column was taken as offensive and resulted in a petition, organised by the defendant Mihi, of almost 70,000 seeking to strip Sir Robert of the knighthood that Pilditch was having difficulty using correctly.

Howeever the clarification of the legal definition of ‘racism’, the issue of free speech and the increasing clamour for strong ‘hate speech’ laws will be a central focus for the case.

Whilst the Human Rights Act prevents speech that may arouse hostility on the grounds of race (among others), the Bill of Rights Act preserves the right to free speech.

>> Latest Law Jobs Here

Recently on LawFuel

• Power Law Firms – 2020 Litigation Forecast – Climate change risks for companies and directors
  Climate change – and the appropriate response – is a defining issue of our time. While there has been discussion about climate change litigation risks for companies and directors, 2020 will be the … Read more
• Survey of Students’ ‘Most Coveted’ Workplaces . . But Why So Few Law Student Participants To Tell Us The Best Law Firms?
  The recent survey showing "the most coveted employers" among university graduates has taken its Top 100 survey showing the requisite law firm component. But despite Chapman Tripp trumpeting it's top rating, only 8 … Read more
• Dunedin Businessman Barry Kloogh Charged with Fraud
  A Dunedin businessman who provided financial advisory services has entered no plea to charges brought by the Serious Fraud Office. The SFO alleges Barry Edward Kloogh (57), who appeared in the Dunedin District … Read more
• The Growing Importance of the Disputes Tribunal in New Zealand – And How Good Referees Are Helping Dispense Justice
  The Disputes Tribunal and its referees are providing one of the keys to the access to justice requirements for New Zealanders, as the Ministry of Justice seeks more referees to help administer the … Read more
• New ‘Twin’ Judges Make History With Double Swearing-In
  Nicola Grimes (L) & Michelle Duggan In the tsunami of recent District Court Judge appointments, Nelson appointees Michelle Duggan and Nicola Grimes share their elevation just as they share most other high points … Read more