The wrong arm of the law

Mr Justice Michael Hartmann's ruling on Tuesday on the ICAC's controversial raids on newspaper offices was applauded by most journalists in town.

But apparently there was a little mistake in the judgment. In paragraph 50 on page 19, the judge cites Article 9 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in relation to protection of press freedom. But wait a minute your honour, according to our sleuthing that article deals with the right to social security.

The article states: 'Parties to the present covenant recognise the right of everyone to social security, including social insurance'.

The correct one should have been Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The judiciary has already issued a correction over the error.

LoDown is sure that Mr Justice Hartmann cited the wrong treaty inadvertently, but he may want to consider the labour treaty when journalists' bosses are reviewing our pay in future.