Right to a fair trial - Definition and Overview

The Right to a fair trial is an essential right in all countries respecting the rule of law. It is explicitly proclaimed in the Sixth Amendment of the US Constitution, Article Ten of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article Six of the European Convention of Human Rights, as well as numerous other constitutions and declarations throughout the world.

The essential ingredients for a fair and just civil trial must include a competent, neutral and detached Judge (an independent Judge); the absence of any intimidation of witnesses and ideally, an equal weight of arms i.e. a level playing field in terms of legal representation.