25 questions and answers in this section

Society and Politics » Law and Justice

Explain why trials can sometimes last for several years before reaching a verdict?

Explain why trials can sometimes last for several years before reaching a verdict?

A trial is primarily a thorough investigation, and it often takes time. It is necessary to gather all the physical evidence, such as documents, fingerprints, videos, or...

Read full answer

Explain why some laws are still in force despite their apparent obsolescence?

Explain why some laws are still in force despite their apparent obsolescence?

Some old laws, despite their apparent obsolescence, remain in place simply because they are an integral part of a country's historical heritage or cultural identity. Even when...

Read full answer

Explain why a witness may be compelled to testify despite their desire to remain silent?

Explain why a witness may be compelled to testify despite their desire to remain silent?

In a trial, the central objective is to establish the truth of the facts. And the judges, who did not witness the scene, need the...

Read full answer

Explain why a person can be found guilty of a crime without being present at the trial.

Explain why a person can be found guilty of a crime without being present at the trial.

To declare someone guilty even in their absence, courts rely on direct evidence (such as precise testimonies, clear recordings, or unambiguous video sequences) but also...

Read full answer

Can you explain why lawyers sometimes wear a robe during court hearings?

Can you explain why lawyers sometimes wear a robe during court hearings?

The robes of lawyers originate from the Middle Ages, when judges and lawyers wore this type of clothing to demonstrate their affiliation with the clergy, particularly in...

Read full answer

Explain why self-learning artificial intelligences can pose ethical challenges.

Explain why self-learning artificial intelligences can pose ethical challenges.

When an artificial intelligence learns on its own from existing data, it always tends to reproduce some of the biases embedded in that data. For...

Read full answer

Explain why the presumption of innocence is an essential principle in criminal law?

Explain why the presumption of innocence is an essential principle in criminal law?

The presumption of innocence is there to ensure that every accused person is granted certain essential rights. What does that mean in practice? Well, first...

Read full answer

Explain why a court-appointed lawyer is designated to defend an accused person who is unable to pay their legal fees.

Explain why a court-appointed lawyer is designated to defend an accused person who is unable to pay their legal fees.

Everyone has the right to a fair defense, whether they have a lot of money or absolutely nothing in their pockets. This is a principle...

Read full answer

Explain why judges may sometimes impose alternative sentences to prison time.

Explain why judges may sometimes impose alternative sentences to prison time.

Replacing prison with measures such as community service (TIG) or supervised release allows offenders to remain active in society. It helps them avoid losing their...

Read full answer

Explain why a victim may sometimes choose not to file a complaint despite being a victim of a crime?

Explain why a victim may sometimes choose not to file a complaint despite being a victim of a crime?

When a victim considers filing a complaint, they often think about the consequences. Sometimes, the perpetrator is within their circle, in their neighborhood, or even...

Read full answer