Article 14: Administration of justice 1984, para. 8

Paragraph
Paragraph text
Among the minimum guarantees in criminal proceedings prescribed by paragraph 3, the first concerns the right of everyone to be informed in a language which he understands of the charge against him (subpara. (a)). The Committee notes that State reports often do not explain how this right is respected and ensured. Article 14 (3) (a) applies to all cases of criminal charges, including those of persons not in detention. The Committee notes further that the right to be informed of the charge "promptly" requires that information is given in the manner described as soon as the charge is first made by a competent authority. In the opinion of the Committee this right must arise when in the course of an investigation a court or an authority of the prosecution decides to take procedural steps against a person suspected of a crime or publicly names him as such. The specific requirements of subparagraph 3 (a) may be met by stating the charge either orally or in writing, provided that the information indicates both the law and the alleged facts on which it is based.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Body
Human Rights Committee
Document type
General Comment / Recommendation
Means of adoption
N.A.
Topic(s)
  • Civil & Political Rights
  • Governance & Rule of Law
Person(s) affected
  • All
Year
1984
Paragraph type
Other
Reference
CCPR General Comment No. 13, Article 14: Administration of justice (1984), para. 8.
Paragraph number
8