Sociologia e Criminologia-Acesso Aberto
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The Right to Speedy Trials of Accused Persons in Ethiopia, the Case of North Gondar Zone

Sileshi Walelign

Justice should work not only efficiently and effectively but also work timely means the trial be as speedy as possible. One of the basic rights of accused persons in international and national legislations is the right to speedy trials of accused persons. Delay in criminal justice system defeats justice more pervasively, because speedy trials relates to the right to life and liberty of persons. It has also profound effects on socio-economic and family rights of the accused persons. A defendant in a criminal case has a right to a speedy trial under the FDRE constitution even though it provides no definition for it. This article is designed to explore the practical implementation of the right to speedy trials of accused persons in North Gondar Zone. In some instances the accused may be released free after so many days passing in jail and our criminal procedure and criminal code have no provisions for compensating these kinds of individuals. The main objective of study is to find out whether or not there is an effective implementation of criminal code and criminal procedure code on these speedy trials rights of accused persons. Thus, the paper is expected to show the underlying legal, institutional and socio-cultural challenges that hamper effective implementation of these laws. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, data be collected from oral and written sources. The qualitative methods applied to collect data. Thus, key informant interviews with high court judges, woreda justice and court office heads, experts, judges and prosecutors of the study area. Also observation of dead files conducted.