The principle of presumption of innocence in the application of pretrial detention
Keywords:
Pretrial detention, presumption of innocence, criminal precautionary measures, violation of rightsAbstract
The purpose of this article is to analyze the Principle of Presumption of Innocence in relation to preventive detention and its application within the Ecuadorian legal system. Therefore, a data collection has been carried out by reviewing books, specialized journals and web pages, carrying out this article under a qualitative bibliographic method. With all the information obtained, it can be noted that the legal regulation of the Principle of Innocence within Ecuadorian Legislation is mostly violated due to the prerogative of unjustified imputation of preventive detention. In this sense, a weighing of interests is necessary to determine the need for proportionate and justified application of Preventive Detention. Likewise, it is concluded that the legal regulation of Preventive Detention in Ecuador, despite being a legitimate and useful mechanism in specific cases, is not in accordance with the Principle of Presumption of Innocence, and that such application should be rigorous and proportionate to avoid an unjustified violation of the fundamental right to liberty and other substantial precepts. In addition, the application of alternative precautionary measures to Preventive Detention is recommended to reduce prison overcrowding and guarantee the effectiveness of the criminal process.
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