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Underbelly appeal begins

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Nine’s appeal on its Underbelly ban began in the Victorian Court of Appeal today with a lawyer telling the court that Justice Betty King erred in her decision making.

Ron Merkel QC said the broadcaster should have been allowed to show at least the first two episodes of the series.

“(It was) an erroneous idea by putting a blanket ban,” Mr Merkel told the court.

“What was being looked at was unedited versions, not what was going to be screened. What her honour was looking at was not the final broadcast.”

Merkel argued that her decision was based on viewing only two edited episodes of the series and another 10 unedited episodes.

“What possible way could episodes one and two impede on a fair trial?” he said.

“The first two episodes were about events 10 years ago.

“Channel Nine should be able to publish any part of the series that does not have the potential to prejudice any part of the trial.”

Justice King made the order because of concerns by the Director of Public Prosecutions that the series would prejudice an upcoming murder trial.

The appeal before Chief Justice Marilyn Warren and Justices Frank Vincent and Murray Kellam continues.

Source: Herald Sun

7 Responses

  2. It’s only illegal if you get caught 🙂

    And the chances of anyone getting caught downloading Underbelly are precisely zero.

    In my case, I didn’t even have any moral qualms, as I am immune from jury duty and as such it makes zero difference whether I watch it or not.

  3. richotb, Err, no it is not meant to be racist, ok???

    chuck norris, you are the fool mate!! So it is ok to download or purchase something that has clearly been banned in the state of Victoria is it? If that is the case then you are the fool and you need a reality check.

  4. ablackbanger is your name meant to be racist in any way? Sorry if its not, but it seems that way to me.

    Anyway, the excuse 9 gave is pretty flimsy. Who cares if the events happened 10 years ago, they still had an effect on events leading up to the court case thats happening at the moment and the Judge was right to ban them in order for a fair and justified trial to take place.

  6. Is that so yolanda? Obviously either a Victorian or from Melbourne, You like to boast about such matters eh?
    Considering that there are alot of Victorians who are doing the right thing and not illegally downloading it or watching it via other methods!!
    I haven’t seen any episodes of Underbelly and even though I am looking forwards to seeing it eventually, I am glad it am not watching it via other means, Just so I can brag or boast about it.

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