Right to a fair trial
Criminal procedure | ||||||
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Criminal trials and convictions | ||||||
Rights of the accused | ||||||
Fair trial · Speedy trial Jury trial · Counsel Presumption of innocence Exclusionary rule1 Self-incrimination Double jeopardy2 |
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Verdict | ||||||
Conviction · Acquittal Not proven3 Directed verdict |
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Sentencing | ||||||
Mandatory · Suspended Custodial Dangerous offender4, 5 Capital punishment Execution warrant Cruel and unusual punishment Life · Indefinite |
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Post-sentencing | ||||||
Parole · Probation Tariff6 · Life licence6 Miscarriage of justice Exoneration · Pardon |
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Related areas of law | ||||||
Criminal defenses Criminal law · Evidence Civil procedure |
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Portals | ||||||
Law · Criminal justice | ||||||
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The right to fair trial is seen as an essential right in all countries respecting the rule of law. A trial in these countries that is deemed unfair will typically be restarted, or its verdict quashed.
Various rights associated with a fair trial are explicitly proclaimed in Article 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution, and Article 6 of the European Convention of Human Rights, as well as numerous other constitutions and declarations throughout the world.
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[edit] Impediments
A fair and just trial might be impeded by:
- Corruption or incompetence (judicial or otherwise)
- Contempt of court (typically by the media or jurors)
- Witness intimidation
- A lack of legal counsel, or inequality of arms
- Undue delay in procedure
- Non-disclosure of evidence, through malice or through abuse of State Secrets Privilege (in the USA) or Public interest immunity (in the UK)
[edit] Requirements
Conversely, a fair trial requires:
- A competent, neutral and detached judge and (if applicable) jury
- Uninfluenced witnesses
- Ideally, a sufficient and equal amount of legal counsel for all parties
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Fair Trials International, a London based human rights charity
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