We can be very proud of certain aspects of our judicial system. In the last month two young men found guilty of vicious assaults have been treated equally. No racial bias, one a Polynesian and the other a Caucasian. No sexual bias; they both beat up women as well as men. However, our judicial system is open to influence from external religious forces.

Money and rugby. This country will do anything for money; we sell off our assets and make gods of men with money. Rugby has long been a religion in this country with the All Blacks up for canonisation.

Our judges have failed to enact the law, they have interpreted under it under duress from money or rugby.

The victims of the crimes rightly feel they have been denied justice. The Police must resent the fact that they put their lives in jeopardy daily. And when a policewomen is badly assaulted, the judge is more concerned with the future of the perpetrator than supporting our Police by making an example of him to deter others.

So we have young men with histories of violent assaults walking our streets and women as fair game. The law is an ass. God defend New Zealand.

P Dolden, Papamoa.