Court Orders no longer enforced, just discussed

You know I thought one of the ways our justice system works is that a Judge makes an order, and the Police enforce it.  A pretty simple concept.

But in the case of the stolen body, it seems not.  The wife of the deceased gained a court order that the body be exhumed and returned to Christchurch where she lives.  So one would think the Police would implement the court order.

But no. The Police will take no action until there is an amicable agreement.

This is a fascinating development where those who have broken the law have to now agree to how to remedy that breach.

Professor Ranginui Walker speaks some common sense:

“It’s time Maori learned they live with Pakeha law.

“Before they do such a thing as hi-jacking the body, they should check out the law. It was done in ignorance.”

While fighting over a body was honourable to Maori, it was clear that widows had the final say at burial, Professor Walker said.