Assistant Lecturer Hassanein Alaa Mohammed, a faculty member in the Department of Communications Engineering Technologies at Al-Mustaqbal University, discussed the criminal judge’s authority to select appropriate penalties for drug offenses within the limits prescribed by law during a workshop held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in the Engineering Laboratories at the university, with the participation of students from the department. The workshop aimed to explain the role of the criminal judge in achieving justice by selecting penalties proportionate to the seriousness of the criminal act, the circumstances surrounding its commission, the defendant’s personal characteristics, and the degree of criminal risk, while adhering to legal limits and maintaining a balance between protecting society from the dangers of drugs and safeguarding the rights of the accused. The workshop addressed the concept of judicial discretion in criminal sentencing, its legal basis, and the limits governing its exercise. It also examined the factors influencing sentencing decisions, including the nature of the offense, criminal intent, and aggravating and mitigating circumstances. Furthermore, it highlighted the importance of judicial reasoning and proportionality between the crime and the penalty in strengthening public confidence in the judiciary and ensuring the proper application of the law. The workshop emphasized the need to balance firm measures to combat drug-related offenses with respect for fair trial guarantees and the protection of rights and freedoms. This contributes to enhancing students’ legal awareness and reinforcing the principles of justice and the rule of law. This activity reflects Al-Mustaqbal University’s commitment to supporting academic and awareness-raising initiatives and developing students’ legal knowledge, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Al-Mustaqbal University ranks first among private universities in Iraq.