Court bans media in smacking case because politicians ban smacking

Media access has been blocked for all evidence at the depositions hearing of child assault charges against a Christchurch professional musician, James Louis Mason, who has been committed for trial.

Mason, 49, has been charged with assaulting his two sons aged two and four. He claimed that he merely "flicked his sons' ears". The case is attracting media attention because it may be a test of the anti-smacking laws.

If he's convicted they'll be calling it masons law - and Family First will no doubt do some "we told you so" media releases, calling for National to honour its promise to change the smacking laws, as it said it would do should there be a conviction under that law.

And I know what National's response will be.