01-Apr-2011
Publication : Newsletter
The presumption of innocence is a fundamental right in criminal law that must be present in all cases where an individual is tried for a criminal offence. The presumption of innocence requires that defendants appear before the court in neutral civilian clothing. Every defendant is entitled to be brought before a court with the appearance and dignity of a free and innocent person. When a defendant is forced to attend a hearing in prison attire, the implication that the defendant is a guilty criminal risks affecting, consciously or unconsciously, the judgment of the presiding judge or judges, the manner in which proceedings are conducted and, ultimately, the outcome of the case.
Information Source : Prison Uniforms and Fair Trial Rights
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