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.

The right to a fair trial is explicitly proclaimed in Article Ten of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution, and Article Six of the European Convention of Human Rights, as well as numerous other constitutions and declarations throughout the world.


[edit] Impediments

A fair and just trial might be impeded by:

[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] External links