Greene V. Black and "extension for prevention"

This study is an attempt to intervene in the contemporary debate on the interpretation of Greene V. Black's well known principle of "extension for prevention." It is possible to discern two, divergent strains within Black's thought: he contends that his principle should have universal application, at the same time as he seeks to limit its application. The conflict between these two positions may be resolved by arguing that Black's comments are directed at different audiences: Black does not actually believe that extension for prevention should be universally applied, but reserves the judgment not to extend to only the most experienced operators. The remainder, the majority of operators, should behave as if it were a universal principle.