Repeal of C. S. and A. Act

Press, 17 April 1978, Page 14

Repeal of C. S. and A. Act

Sir. — Sir Alexander Turner’s analysis of the role of acceptable law in society properly draws attention to a device used by Governments to by-pass juries. Unacceptable laws can be imposed by magistrates upon inadequately defended persons, the magistrates always pleading that their only duty is to try and make the law work. Juries are not so readily disposed to co-operate with the State. He suggests, from the precedent of bookmaking laws, that this situation may "arise again with abortion cases. In fact the recent C.S. and A. Act has explicitly reduced the maximum penalty on self-induced abortion, or attempts thereat (clause 44). In an apparent show of leniency women may now be quickly punished by fines. Previously the State had to think twice about arguing a tricky law before a jury. Recent legislation has already laid the groundwork for precisely the .sorts of abuse which Sir Alexander properly fears. — Yours, etc., R. A. M. GREGSON, Professor, of Psychology, University of Canterbury. April 15. 1978. Sir, ‘— According to your judicial expert. Sir Alfred Turner, “Members of Parliament . . . are bound to decide . . . in accordance with principles related to State

policy, not by their individual conscientious beliefs.” There may be other recipes for producing totalitarian tyranny, but there is certainly no better. Politicians of all shades may bless Sir Alexander’s name as we slouch towards 1984 and the Final Solution to all our problems, including (of course) our unwanted children. — Yours, etc., S. O. MAHONY. April 15, 1978.