The government and the opposition have been demonstrating little interest in supporting our judges or the judicial system. Instead there is a willingness to suggest that Parliament will intervene and undo any unpopular court decision by direct intervention. The increasingly familiar pattern starts with a controversial court decision raised by the media for critical comment. Often less that the full facts are used to justify extreme criticism on talk-back radio or in newspaper editorial. The more likely truth is that the commentator knows few of the details of the case but is prepared to use a few facts to manipulate the audience.
Crusades are good for ratings.
An example in point is the Crump case. There was an horrific crime. The crime occurred 24 years ago. Reporting of the issues enabled voyeuristic references and indulgence in self-righteousness. The public was told they should fear now the man who committed a crime so long ago.