Damien Grant: ‘We need better judges'

Does parliament have the right to order a citizen be tortured? Rough question to begin your Sunday morning but, does it?

If you say No, why not? We live in a parliamentary democracy and the elected representatives have the power to compel conscription, force us to pay taxes and tell us what side of the road to drive. What is the limit on its authority, and what does it have to do with eggs?

Dr Oliver Hartwich: Absurd - NZ courts can now decide on climate change

The World Justice Project ranks New Zealand 7th out of 142 countries on its ‘Rule of Law Index’, narrowly ahead of Australia’s 13th place. However, Australia still has hope – if only because of a recent decision by the Supreme Court of New Zealand.

The case is easily told. Mike Smith, an indigenous activist fighting climate change, filed a lawsuit against seven large New Zealand companies for their carbon emissions. Smith claims that they are causing him harm.