Geraldine Allan
#4 John— I recall your 2008 comment re the development of “ad hoc law”. You explained that as where the judge starts his ruling at the desired result and then works backwards to fit the already planned result. I agree, I have witnessed the process.
Also, it seems to me that here in Tasmania we have ‘ad hoc democracy’. That is a democratic process based on the model judgement process to which you refer.
Early in April 2009, Eric Beecher, Crikey Publisher wrote about democracy and the near death of public trust. He was referring to public trust journalism as he called it. He wrote in part: –
“”Public trust” journalism is an essential element of a functioning, informed democracy. It is just as important, in its own way, as the parliament or the judiciary.
By “public trust” journalism I refer to journalism that applies scrutiny, analysis and accountability to governments, parliaments, politicians, public servants, judges, police, councils, the military, NGOs, diplomats, business and community leaders and the recipients of public funding.
This journalism includes investigative reporting, analysis and feature writing, commentary, opinions, editorials, campaigns as well as the day-to-day reporting of parliaments, councils, courts, tribunals, wars, stock exchanges and all the other tentacles of the polity, the judiciary and the democracy.
Without the existence of well-resourced “public trust” journalism — the arm of democracy that attempts to keep the other arms open, honest and accountable — it is far more likely that custodians of democracy will be dishonest, deceptive or will abuse their positions of trust.”
end of quote.
#2 Garry— The above extract says it for us and that is why we Tasmanians are living in the “Do-It-Yourself Democracy”.
#5 Brenda— it is so difficult to keep on top of it all when we have to do it ourselves because those charged with and handsomely paid for, the responsibility fail us.
But who cares? Hopefully the 2010 Tasmanian voters.
