Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Video | Agriculture | Confidence | Economy | Energy | Employment | Finance | Media | Property | RBNZ | Science | SOEs | Tax | Technology | Telecoms | Tourism | Transport | Search

 

Bar Association President calls for discussion on safety


In an open letter to members of the New Zealand Bar Association, President Kate Davenport QC has asked barristers to contribute to the discussion of how the law can work to help prevent mass shootings and other terrorist acts.

Her request follows the deaths of 50 people who were shot on Friday 15 March 2019 at two Christchurch mosques. Another 48 people were injured.

Ms Davenport noted that the discussion on changes to the law to prevent similar terrorist acts was a serious and urgent one. The Association was closely following suggested reforms to firearms and other legislation that could result from Friday’s events.

She asked all members to contribute to that discussion. “As lawyers, we understand that the law should help prevent events such as Friday’s shootings. We also know how different laws fit within the overall legal framework and where the conflicts can lie,” Ms Davenport said. “This is an opportunity for us all to contribute to making our communities safe without sacrificing the very reasons why people choose to live in New Zealand.”

Ms Davenport also noted that she was sure that all the members of the legal profession were already reaching out to support others who had been impacted by this tragic event. “I feel a sense of relief that at least this has not changed in the last three days,” she remarked.

She encouraged members of the Canterbury bar to contact the Bar Association’s Bar Care panel if they had a question or a problem relating to their work following this event. Contact details are available on the Association’s website.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Business Headlines | Sci-Tech Headlines

 
GenPro: General Practices Begin Issuing Clause 14 Notices

GenPro has been copied into a rising number of Clause 14 notices issued since the NZNO lodged its Primary Practice Pay Equity Claim against General Practice employers in December 2023.More

SPADA: Screen Industry Unites For Streaming Platform Regulation & Intellectual Property Protections

In an unprecedented international collaboration, representatives of screen producing organisations from around the world have released a joint statement.More

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.