AN APPRAISAL OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE RIGHT TO A FAIR TRIAL IN NIGERIA AND ITS IMPACT ON RULE OF LAW AND DEMOCRACY

Human rights issues have not only become a global concern but remarkable interest aimed at protecting and promoting universal respect for, and observance of human rights. The right to a fair trial is one of the universally applicable right guarantees recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and also constitutionally. Using the doctrinal method of legal research, this article appraised the right to fair trial, its legal framework and further examined the impact on the rule of law and democracy in Nigeria. The article found out that, the right to a fair trial is the cornerstone of justice that upholds rule of law and the principles of democracy in every democratic society. Fair trial guarantees the protection of individuals against unjust and or arbitrary prosecution and ensures a proper balance between the rights of the accused and state’s interests in ensuring public safety and maintaining order. Finally, the article concluded that the right to a fair trial is important because it ensures that everyone is treated equally and fairly within the judicial system. It upholds the principle of justice, which is a cornerstone of rule of law and democracy and recommended among other recommendations that, there should be strict and total compliance with all the national, international, regional and constitutional rights as it relates to fair trial.