Are New Zealand Judges in touch with the Real World?

Kia Ora,

That head line is what people often ask after some of the sentences handed down for crimes.  At times the judges are constrained  by laws or previous decisions. But sometimes you do have to wonder?

I base that on a judges comments when he sentenced a 'gang' member yesterday.

The judge in this case said "gang culture is against NZ culture".

When the Judge & I were growing up that was probably true, but not in todays NZ were the gangsta culture prevails.

You see it all the time, people wearing their colours & others pressured to have colours of one type or another.

I have head some say it is only Maori or Pacific Island issue with the youngsters

following the L.A. gangsta culture.

That is not true though. If you are involved with dealing with youngsters you will see people from all races trying to be a part of the gangsta culture with the way they dress, act & speak.

Coming from the background of a shearing gang (no pun intended) then the NZ army I am not un used to swearing, but their is a time & place.

Not todays youngsters & if you want to get their attention then you better be prepared to swear because they will not take notice otherwise.

Part of that gangsta culture is the use or carrying of weapons & as the Christchurch police recently commented virtually everyone they arrest these days is at least carrying a knife.

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