Rule of Law After Convictions

Criminal justice systems must balance the need for final verdicts with the possibility of correcting wrongful convictions. Examine the design of retrial procedures: who can petition, what evidence should trigger review, how courts should handle newly discovered facts, and how long cases should remain reopenable. Compare models that favor legal certainty with models that prioritize correcting errors, and assess the risks of delay, abuse, and public distrust. Conclude with principles for making retrial systems both fair and practical.