Rights of an accused
In the criminal law and the Constitution of Pakistan, the rights of an accused are protected under several provisions. Here are some of the most significant rights of accused individuals:
- Right to a fair trial: The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the right to a fair trial to all citizens, including accused individuals. This includes the right to an impartial judge, the right to legal counsel, the right to call witnesses, and the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
2. Right to due process: The Constitution of Pakistan also guarantees the right to due process, which means that an accused individual must be given a fair and impartial hearing, with all the necessary evidence and arguments presented in their defense.
3. Right to remain silent: An accused individual has the right to remain silent and not incriminate themselves. This means that the prosecution cannot use an accused person's silence against them in court.
4. Right to bail: In most cases, an accused individual has the right to be released on bail while awaiting trial. Bail is meant to ensure that the accused person appears in court when required and does not pose a danger to society.
5. Right to appeal: If an accused person is found guilty, they have the right to appeal the verdict. An appeal allows a higher court to review the case and make a final determination of guilt or innocence.
It's important to note that the rights of accused individuals are protected not only by the Constitution of Pakistan but also by international human rights treaties that Pakistan is a party to, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
In summary, the rights of accused individuals in the criminal law and the Constitution of Pakistan are designed to ensure that they are given a fair and impartial hearing, with all necessary evidence and arguments presented in their defense. These rights are essential for protecting the rights of citizens and maintaining the integrity of the criminal justice system.