Learn about the ways to complain and obtain compensation where you think your right to a fair trial has been violated.

Complaint procedures

You can prevent a violation of your right to a fair trial during court proceedings by using various avenues of appeal. You should try to use these avenues, because if you don’t, you will not be able to claim that the violation was important to you and that you are entitled to compensation because it was not rectified. 

There are several ways you can prevent or rectify a violation of your rights during the trial. These complaint procedures have been created exactly for that purpose and if you don’t use them, you won’t be able to complain to the ombudsman or international human rights institutions.

Appeals

All judgements of the court of first instance can be appealed to the court of appeal. You can also appeal some decisions, that are not the final judgment of the court, by filing a special appeal during trial. 

It is very important to observe the time limits allowed for appeals. The time limit is usually 15 days.

Reasonable time limits

If you consider that your trial has exceeded time limits that are reasonable, you should write an application to the president judge of that court. 

important Some complaints have to be submitted as soon as you have discovered a potential violation. For example, if you have found out about reasons why a judge in your case may not be objective or impartial, you should raise that issue as soon as possible.

Human rights institutions

If a violation of your right to a fair trial has not been rectified during the trial, you can apply to national or international human rights institutions to establish whether your rights have been violated and obtain compensation. 

important Each of the national and international human rights institutions has specific functions and powers. Learn more about human rights institutions and see what they can do in your situation.

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Last updated 23/09/2021