Case Potentially Highlights Flawed Smacking Law
Media Release - Family First - 20 May 2009

Family First NZ says that if Christchurch father Jimmy Mason has been found guilty of punching his son in the face, then his conviction is completely justified.

"But the jury may have decided that it was only an ear flick, which Jimmy Mason himself admitted doing," says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.

"The jury may not have believed that a punch happened, but had to convict the father for the ear flick because it was deemed correction."

"Significantly, both the judge and the crown lawyer instructed the jury that any force for the purpose of correction was illegal under the anti-smacking law - including a pull of an ear to gain attention."

"If he has been found guilty for an ear flick in a stressful situation where one child was injured and the other defying his father's order to stay still and safe, then it proves what an ass the anti-smacking law is."

"It highlights how confusing the application of the law is and why parents are struggling to know what's legal and what's not. Parents deserve certainty in the law."

"It also explains why the new law is so unpopular and unrealistic, and NZ'ers should vote no at the upcoming Referendum," says Mr McCoskrie.

ENDS

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