The criminal justice system of a republic is designed to protect the rights and properties of the citizenry. Its aim is to ensure that no innocent person is punished for what he or she has not done. This is what gave rise to the principle of presumption of innocence. Once a judge sits on the bench his or her impartiality and independence are guaranteed by committing himself or herself by subscribing to the principle of presumption of innocence.
Since court cases take time, innocent people are saved from remaining in prison up to the end of their case by introducing the right to bail.
In a republic where citizens are considered to be the depository of the sovereignty of the nation, each individual must be guaranteed the enjoyment of the right to liberty. That right is enlarged by the presumption of innocence and the right to bail pending the hearing of case. It is therefore hoped that members of the legal profession will be so committed to the principle of presumption of innocence by ensuring that bail applications are done with speed to avoid delay in the granting of bail.
