Open and Free Criticism
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This principle holds that government actions, legal processes, and public officials must be open to scrutiny and free criticism. Transparency and the ability to question authority help prevent the misuse of power and maintain public confidence in how the law is made, applied, and enforced.
Key Concepts
Transparency of government and court - Legal processes and administrative decisions should be open to public view to ensure accountability.
Freedom to criticise authority - Individuals, media, and civil society must be able to question and criticise government actions without fear of punishment.
Checks on power - Openness and criticism act as safeguards against corruption, arbitrary decision‑making, and abuse of authority.
Public confidence - Scrutiny strengthens trust in the justice system by ensuring decisions are made fairly and according to law.
Democratic participation - An informed public can better engage in debate, hold officials accountable, and contribute to law reform
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