Show trial

The term show trial describes a type of public trial in which the judicial authorities have already determined the guilt of the defendant: the actual trial has as its only goal to present the accusation and the verdict to the public as an impressive example and as a warning. It tends to be retributive rather than correctional justice. Most of the time it involves a 'sin' and a 'planting of evidence'.

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Show trials, which often take place under authoritarian r?gimes,

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albeit some-times in a democratic country, far more often than not have the purpose of eliminating or suppressing the political opponents of an organization, such as a current government or a church.

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Such trials can exhibit scant regard for the niceties of jurisprudence and even for the letter of the law. Defendants have little real opportunity to justify themselves: they have often signed statements under duress and/or suffered torture prior to appearing in the court-room.

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Trial: A trial is, in the most general sense, a test, usually a test to see whether something does or does not meet a given standard....

Judicial: redirect Judiciary...

Guilt: Guilt is a word describing many concepts related to a negative emotion or condition caused by actions which are, or are believed to be, morally wrong....

Show trial related Images and Photos (experimental)

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