Clarity and the criminal law

Slapper, Gary (2007). Clarity and the criminal law. Journal of Criminal Law, 71(6) pp. 475–477.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1350/jcla.2007.71.6.475

Abstract

In 1873, Baron Martin stated that 'The criminal law ought to be reasonable and intelligible' (R v Middleton (1873) L.R. 2 Crown Ca. Res. 57). That proposition is just as potent today as when it was made. As the branch of law incorporating the ultimate powers of control which the state exercises over citizens, criminal law should be consonant with common sense and be perfectly clear to the public. It is difficult to argue that current law on drugs is clear, coherent, and understood by the public.

Viewing alternatives

Metrics

Item Actions

Export

You can export this page using these formats Digital Object Identifier - DOI