Right #10 of 30 — The Right to a Fair and Public Hearing
- Ashley Martin
- Oct 14
- 2 min read
Part of Lustitia Aequalis’ “30 Rights in 30 Days” Series
Article 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states:
“Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.”
Today, October 14, we reflect on this right through the life and loss of George Floyd, who would have turned 52 years old. His death in 2020 was public—witnessed by millions across the world—yet it was the ultimate denial of due process, fairness, and equality before the law.
George Floyd never had the opportunity for a fair hearing.His humanity was stripped before justice could ever be applied.And while his death sparked overdue accountability measures, it also exposed how fragile the right to fair and impartial process remains—especially for marginalized communities in the United States and globally.
Why Right #10 Matters
The promise of a fair and public hearing means that justice must not only be delivered—it must be visible, impartial, and consistent.
It protects individuals from punishment without process.
It demands that courts and tribunals remain independent of prejudice and power.
It insists that every life deserves both dignity and defense.
A Global Reflection
From Minneapolis to Myanmar, from Tehran to Nairobi, the erosion of fair hearings mirrors the erosion of public trust. Around the world, citizens face systems that presume guilt, silence testimony, or deliver outcomes behind closed doors.
The visibility of George Floyd’s death compelled global reflection. But public visibility is not justice. A fair hearing—impartial, transparent, and humane—is justice.
Our Commitment
Lustitia Aequalis reaffirms that true justice begins with due process, grounded in equality before the law.We stand with communities worldwide seeking impartial institutions and lawful protection that honors every person’s right to be seen—and heard—with dignity.
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