Applicability of the Rule of Law and Right to a Fair Trial in Rwanda

Résumé ou Introduction

This work is guided by the quote “the entire judicial process should not be looked at as an event or even be perceived as a procedure but rather a serious undertaking that ensures the country is governed by the rule of law”(Paul Kagame Judicial Year 2017/18).

Fair trials are the only way to prevent miscarriages of justice and are an essential part of a just society. Every person accused of a crime should have their guilt or innocence determined by a fair and effective legal process. But it is not all about protecting the rights of accused, It also makes societies safer and stronger. Without fair trials, citizens may end up being victimized, without fair trials, trust in government and its institutional rule of law collapses. In a fair trial, parties before court are treated equal to defend themselves and present evidence. They must be heard impartially and without any prejudice. There must be a neutral and impartial judge who would ensure that all procedural requirement have been met and keep in mind the rights of the parties in the trial.