Article 10: Right to a Fair Trial

The right to a fair trial is at the heart of Article 10, one more section of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) that aims to prevent a repetition of the atrocities of Hitler’s Germany, where compliant judges and courts served the aims of the Nazi regime, rather than the cause of justice in the interest of the people. Some guarantees of a fair trial, including the right to presumption of innocence, can also be found in Articles 6, 7, 8 and 11 of the Declaration.

The right to a fair trial has been accepted beyond dispute by every country (even if they do not always honour it). Fair trials not only protect suspects and defendants, they make societies safer and stronger by solidifying confidence in justice and the rule of law.

But what is a fair trial?

Article 9- No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

The Universal Declaration of Human rights states arbitrary and detention when arrested and detained is unlawful. Without due process and legal protection of a fair trial by a government official it goes against our human rights. Arbitrary and detention are used to intimidate individuals and is a tactic used by government officials.

Article 8- Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.

The right to remedy is for everyone, fair trials and due process are important to achieve justice. Providing solutions for injustices and violations of the rights of all individuals is granted by law.