Letter: Unjust cannabis law

Rev Paddy Benson
Monday 05 January 1998 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir: I did not wish to know the name of the young man arrested on a charge of dealing in cannabis. Learning his identity, and that of his father, told me nothing useful about the Government, its policies, its probity or any other matter of legitimate public concern.

Michael Streeter recognises (Saturday Story, 3 January) that "there are good reasons to protect juveniles facing criminal allegations". He then adds, "in cases of teenagers accused of similar offences ... and named by the media, government law officers have not stepped in and sought protective injunctions". If it is true that the media are so lacking in wisdom and compassion, then the correct conclusion is that more such injunctions should be sought, and vigorously upheld.

The Rev PADDY BENSON

Heswall, Merseyside

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in