When lawmakers become lawbreakers

What it takes to be convicted of theft and what the consequences are and are not likely to be.

Politics in the year of our Lord 2024 got off to a bizarre start. Green Party MP Golriz Ghahraman has seemingly been accused of shoplifting from an exclusive boutique clothing store in Ponsonby. Newstalk ZB Plus has reported that Ghahraman is claimed to have allegedly made off with thousands of dollars’ worth of goods from some place called Scottie's Boutique.

At first glance, the quantum seems incredible, but I am reliably informed that the wares of this garment vendor are excellent but very pricey.

These are only allegations. Actually, they appear to be only claims of allegations at this stage. The foundation of any justice system worth the name is that a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. That goes for politicians too. Even where his or her politics irritates you.

Allegations are not proof of themselves. Reports of allegations even less so. The history of the world is that false accusations can and do happen.

With that crucial caveat in mind, it is worth getting a bit of a reminder about just what would have to be shown to establish that a crime was committed and what the consequences might be for a sitting MP.