[Citroënbender]

Problems arise when this practice is conjoined with creeping reversal of the “onus of proof” and cemented with enshrined secrecy around what should be public proceedings.

I suggest the “rot” began when governments decided it was acceptable to employ covert measures in the pursuit of revenue from offences without premeditation. Once deceit was legitimised, the boundaries were all lowered. I understand that in all states there are ongoing abuses of secure processes, some actions may be more harmful than others.