The Office of the Lord Chief Justice wrote to the Justice Committee saying ‘it is important, for the upholding of the rule of law and to maintain public confidence, that the judiciary are (and are seen to be) independent of outside influence when fulfilling the functions of their office. Judges should therefore be free to act independently without improper influence’.
Stewart Dickson MLA said: “I welcome the comments of the Lord Chief Justice. He highlights the dangers of any political interference in the judicial system. It is completely unacceptable for any politician to attempt to direct either the PSNI or the judiciary.
“I hope that any politician who has recently made any inappropriate comments about the PSNI or judiciary, will read this important letter and reconsider what they have said.
“All political leaders should give their full and unequivocal support to the rule of law and the PSNI.”
ENDS