The position is otherwise if a demand of that character is accompanied by improper threats or assertions …”

Spigelman CJ drew a distinction, at [49], between the operation of the law of contempt with respect to public communications and private communications. In relation to the former, the law was required to balance “the public interest in freedom of speech against the public interest in the administration of justice”. In such cases, his Honour considered that the element of interference with the administration of justice was mediated by the response of the community, not just the parties. However, in the case of a private communication between parties to legal proceedings, his Honour stated that the vulnerability of a party, in terms of, for example, age and means, could be materialPeter John Crimp was convicted and sentenced to six months' supervision for cannabis possession in the Nelson District Court.

A judge has said he's "not blind to the debate" around medicinal cannabis in New Zealand during the sentencing of a man who used the drug to help him cope with Crohn's disease.

Peter John Crimp, 40, appeared in the Nelson District Court on Monday charged with possession of cannabis and a cannabis pipe.

The court heard that Crimp was driving on the Moutere Highway in the Redwood Valley about 7:50pm on September 19 when he was stopped by police.

While speaking to police, the officer noticed a strong smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle.

Police searched Crimp and his vehicle and found a small tin containing two grams of cannabis in his