JUSTICE is a word which is invoked by all sides at time of war. Fighting a just war is a phrase which has echoed down the ages.

But it was only with the end of the Second World War that the western nations began to formalise a code of judicial punishment for war criminals.

Today, that system has reached such a state that Scotland Yard has to be called in to probe allegations of war crimes against Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

Such is the world of international law, a world in which the blindingly obvious has to be strenuously investigated.

The Butcher of Bagdad's actions in holding more than 4,500 Britons as hostages at the start of the Gulf War were obviously wrong - but international politics has dictated that the United Nations' Security Council has never set up a tribunal before which he could be held to account.

So praise should be heaped on the three researchers from Indict - the organisation which campaigns for the prosecution of Iraqi war criminals - who have collected evidence from all over the world to prove the case against him.

If the men of Scotland Yard can build on their work, all well and good.

It may be that the chances of the dictator being brought before a court are virtually non-existent. Some may even think that another Gulf War would have to be fought before his grip on power is weakened.

But we should bear in mind how alleged war criminals from Bosnia have been standing trial before an international court and, when found guilty, locked up for many years.

We will not be alone in thinking it important that the evidence is in place so that - if a miracle happens and Saddam is overthrown - he will be punished if he can be brought to justice.

It may be a forlorn hope but one we're sure the former hostages share.