Rights of the Accused

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Criminal defendants around the world are afforded many rights. The general theory behind these rights is that the government has enormous resources available to it for the prosecution of individuals; therefore, individuals are entitled to some protection from the misuse of those powers by the government.

In common law countries, many of the rights below have been shaped by the development, over decades, of case law; as a result, the rules can be very complex. This section should be viewed as an overview of the most significant rights defendants enjoy.


Rights with Police

Rights at Detention

Rights at Trial

Sentencing

Rights in Prison