Accusatorial (Adjective)
Meaning
Specifically indicating a form of prosecution in which one is publicly accused of and tried for a crime and in which the judge is not also the prosecutor.
Classification
Relational adjectives (pertainyms).
Examples
- The accusatorial system, in which the prosecution and the judge are separate entities, is used in many countries to ensure a fair trial.
- In an accusatorial system, the prosecutor presents the case against the defendant, while the judge remains impartial and focuses on applying the law.
- The accusatorial model of prosecution is often contrasted with the inquisitorial model, in which the judge plays a more active role in investigating the crime.
- The accusatorial system is designed to protect the rights of the accused by ensuring that the prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
- In an accusatorial trial, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the prosecution bears the burden of presenting evidence to support its claims.