The Narcissist in Life
The Narcissist in Life
Warning: This article covers themes of the Philip Polkinghorne criminal case
OPINION
Yesterday, after the Polkinghorne case verdict, Philip Polkinghorne told reporters:
"Now we can grieve and let Pauline rest in peace. That is the best gift we can possibly give her."
And today his defence lawyer Elizabeth Hall said the case showed the justice system was working as intended.
Jurors could not land the criminal burden of proof i.e. ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ - so retired eye surgeon Polkinghorne was acquitted.
Jurors had asked the judge for guidance yesterday when a number of them, while disbelieving Ms Hanna had killed herself, also couldn’t be 100% sure of how she died. Their statement to the judge included the line:
“Most of the people on the jury do not think there is enough evidence to support Pauline committing suicide.”
The judge directed them accordingly:
"At the end of the day, it's not sufficient for you to think that Dr Polkinghorne is probably guilty, or even very likely guilty. You've got to be sure, beyond reasonable doubt, that the Crown has proved that he is guilty."
In our criminal justice system, jurors must uphold the standard of beyond reasonable doubt because the risk of error, and sending an innocent person to jail, is too great a risk.
Ms Hall is ultimately right that the justice system worked as designed, but is she right that “the justice system is working” as intended?
A question for the scholars.
What the case proved in my mind was that a good defence lawyer - and very deep pockets, can buy a robust, credible defence - and freedom.
Would the same opportunity under the same circumstances have been afforded to a poor Māori or Polynesian man? Or a white man with less resources?
I doubt it.
All Ms Hall had to do was throw in enough alternate theories, conjecture, and opposing expert evidence to counter the Crown’s case.
And they found experts from as far away as Canada to do so. To be clear, it is common practice to secure “experts” for your side. The Crown did the same - for example, a Canadian rope expert testified that the rope Ms Hanna was allegedly found with required “very little force … for the knots to collapse.” i.e. she could not have hung herself with the rope.
A coronial inquiry will now take place, but Polkinghorne is free of the charge, and his lover is singing to the press.
The case received a lot of media attention. The couple were part of the well to-do Auckland Remuera set.
In 2020, Ms Hanna lamented Jacinda Adern’s chances of winning the election, writing to a friend:
"Looks as if Jacinda is going to romp in. Judith has been doing well but not enough time. I dread to think how far our taxes are going to be ramped up."
I did not follow the case closely, but what got my attention about all this yesterday, besides the tragedy of it all, was Philip Polkinghorne’s invoking of Ms Hanna to defend himself.
Again he said:
“..let Pauline rest in peace. That is the best gift we can possibly give her."
To me, it had a narcissistic streak. Using Ms Hanna’s name and a memory as a tool to defend himself, but making it sound like it was for her benefit.
So I looked up the term - Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
NPD is defined with characteristics such as1:
Sense of self-importance
Preoccupation with power, beauty, or success
Entitled
Can only be around people who are important or special
Interpersonally exploitative for their own gain
Arrogant
Lack empathy
Must be admired
Envious of others or believe that others are envious of them
A fuller version is available here.
Dr Robert Weiss, a clinician of the subject, notes:
“Every person can look narcissistic at least occasionally, especially individuals with low self-esteem, chronic anxiety, and the like. Such individuals will engage in narcissistic behaviors as a defense mechanism or coping mechanism. That does not mean they are clinical narcissists…
True narcissists, on the other hand, are convinced of their superiority (and surprised when others do not readily acknowledge it). They believe they deserve power, admiration, and to have their way at all times.
Most of all, they lack understanding of and empathy for the rights and needs of others. It simply does not occur to them that the thoughts and feelings of people they perceive as being “less than” themselves are important.
And if/when they are told about this fact, they discount it. At most, they pay it lip service, and then they go about the business of satisfying their own desires no matter what.
For individuals who behave in narcissistic ways but are not true narcissists, there is significant hope for change…
There is less hope for change with true narcissists. At times, they will alter their behavior as a way of making their lives easier, but the basic personality disorder of narcissism will likely remain.
To the very end, I believe that Polkinghorne’s wife was a person to be used by him, and even in her last moments, he could only think of himself.
It’s a tragedy but not an uncommon theme in life and leadership circles.
Note: It’s important to seek qualified expertise for an accurate diagnosis
'Ms Hall is ultimately right that the justice system worked as designed, but is she right that “the justice system is working” as intended?'
IMHO yes... she is correct.
We have to remember that our legal system was designed by wealthy white men. At the time of creation those people would have ensured that they created a system to protect them & people in their inner circle.
It's a bit like the inequality we are seeing in our society today, not because our economic system is broke... but because that is how it was intended to work. It requires that gap between the haves & have nots to serve the rich.
Same principle.
It is incredibly sad.
NPD - that applies to our PM & most of the cabinet……..