Shakhawat Hossain
Abstract: Freedom of speech and expression is recognised as an essential part of an individual’s self-fulfilment as well as being a core value in the democratic process. However, this right to free speech is not absolute and can be subject to justifiable restrictions. It reflects tensions with other values that might require and justify a limitation on the right. There is a long academic debate and an ongoing tension at the policy level to what extent a judge should speak outside of the courtroom and their judgments and exercise their right to free speech. Some argue for judicial ‘silence’ or ‘reservation,’ while others have strong arguments in favour of judges’ speaking out. These positions reflect a tension between the right to free speech and the principles of judicial independence and impartiality. There is a generally accepted principle that judges will perform their duty solely based on fact and law and only speak through the court ruling or judgment. This article analyses this tension from the Bangladesh perspective by referring to some western judicial views.
Keywords: Extra-judicial speech, public confidence in the judiciary, judicial values
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