The Right of the Victim vs. the Right of the Accused to Legal Representation during the Trial stage: Scope and Limitations: a Comparative Study

Abstract

This article is a comparative study of the right to legal representation for both the accused and the victim of the crime under the procedural laws of Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during trial stage. The article tries to answer how and to what extent such right is guaranteed during this stage of criminal proceedings under both laws. By examining the current rules of law on the right to legal representation at trial stage for both the accused and the victim of the crime, the analysis shows that this right exists under both laws during this stage with various limitations in relation to the accused. Whereas, there is no general rule in both laws to guarantee the victim’s right to an attorney who, if retained, can attend the trial as indicated by a few legal provisions in both laws.