Shifting the court case of a local man to Christchurch may mean little to the judiciary, but in South Canterbury an important principal has been compromised, writes The Timaru Herald in an editorial. Therefore an offence committed within this community should be tried in this community.
People can then attend the court case, or read about it in the newspaper.
But when cases are moved from this jurisdiction, a hurdle is placed in the way of openness, and inconsistencies develop. The Timaru Herald has long had a policy of covering all criminal court matters, to the point where in many quarters it is now seen as part of the punishment. However, that punishment varies if some court cases are open to public scrutiny and others are not. Which is why there should be concern that a case against a professional Timaru man on tax charges is to be dealt with in Christchurch. The reason is flimsy.