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

• “We’ll Take Your Children” . . The Bizarre Arabian Nightmares Tale of Dechert Lawyers Accused of Torture & Other Human Right Abuses
  70 / 100 Powered by Rank Math SEO SEO Score It may not be a tale from Arabian Nights, but the tale of three senior Big Law partners conspiring to abuse and torture […]
• Layoff Alerts: Let Us Know
  70 / 100 Powered by Rank Math SEO SEO Score LawFuel wants to know if there are layoffs or staff reductions – by any means – for our subscribers who want to be […]
• 12 Of Rotten Tomatoes’ Must-Watch Lawyer Movies of All Time
  70 / 100 Powered by Rank Math SEO SEO Score You’re in lockdown, done the billing and thought about everything that needs to be done about the house, but you want to look […]
• How One Big Law Firm Is Working To Contain Coronavirus Financial Fallout
  70 / 100 Powered by Rank Math SEO SEO Score Law firms are scrambling to hold costs and overheads in any way they can, including eyeing employment changes and payment distributions. One firm […]
• David Lat Awaits Discharge From Hospital After Life-Threatening Coronavirus Treatment
  70 / 100 Powered by Rank Math SEO SEO Score David Lat, founder of the AbovetheLaw legal blog, realizes his lucky escape from the severe coronavirus infection and his ability to donate blood […]