Thread: unlawful hunting and having a firearm without a licence

You've highlighted the issues that exist with law enforcement, and punishment handed out by the judiciary. It isn't clear cut and can't be judged by a 200 word article. It was just worded that you were implying corruption by some of the parties, which in this day and age happens so rarely.

Buying stolen goods - you've got no comeback as you're a member of the public knowingly committing the act. NZ Police force don't have the resources to chase every crime that has happened unfortunately. Instead resources are thrown in when there's a serious crime. We have a decent conviction rate with serious assaults, murder, rape (thank god).

90 hours community service for the poacher - so some gardens on a roundabout gets a tidy up, or some graffiti getting scrubbed off a wall. Plus loss of firearm and equipment. Will it change the behaviour of the poacher ? Not really, as he's already been convicted of it before. So he's demonstrated he doesn't want to live by society's rules. Chances are he'll keep doing it, try to not get caught, and probably will - bit like drink drivers, some people just feel the need to do what THEY want,and stuff everyone else. Which opens the door to another question - punishment for crime, is it to be just a pure punishment, deterrence for others, or punishment with rehabilitation to prevent it happening again.

The reality of the legal system is the check and balances in place make this a great country to live in IMO. An actual example of where the rule of law changes day by day and immediate punishment that doesn't appear to match the value of the crime is happening in places like Syria and Iraq where ISIS are in control. Handcuffing people and throwing them off a building because someone points a finger at them and says "you're gay".

ps: don't buy stolen good mate, ever. You'd be pissed when someone wants to buy your stolen gear