Sir Igor Judge addresses the issue of public protection

President of the Queen’s Bench Division, Sir Igor Judge tonight gave a lecture at Kings College entitled “Public Protection”.

During his speech, Sir Igor considered the part of the criminal justice process for which judges are responsible, highlighting the judicial obligation to have in mind and contribute to the protection of society. He emphasised that there could be no dispute about the principle and that the real issue was how best that objective could be fulfilled in each individual case.

He said:

“Sentencing judges are expected to do whatever they can to achieve the protection of life and body, and indeed property. They must do what they can, within the strict limitations already identified, to achieve the reduction of crime to what may be described as the “irreducible minimum”. For this purpose, a system for punishment and deterrence is essential”

Notes to Editors:

1. The speech is part of a lecture series at the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies called: “New developments in criminal justice”.
2. The speech is also intended to help mark the beginning of “Inside Justice” week
3. The entire speech is available on the judicial website.

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