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'.

Related Topics:
Trial - Judicial - Guilt - Defendant - Retributive - Correctional - Justice

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Show trials, which often take place under authoritarian régimes,

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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.

Related Topics:
Government - Church

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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.

Related Topics:
Jurisprudence - Torture

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~