Article 6.4 The Overriding Objective

(a) (1) The overriding objective of this Code is that criminal cases be dealt with justly.

(b) (2) Dealing with a criminal case justly includes:

(A) acquitting the innocent and convicting the guilty;

(B) treating all participants with politeness and respect;

(C) dealing with all parties to a case fairly;

(D) recognising the rights of an accused;

(E) respecting the rights and interests of witnesses and victims and keeping them informed of the progress of the case;

(F) dealing with the case efficiently and expeditiously;

(G) ensuring that appropriate information is available to the court when bail and sentence are considered; and

(H) dealing with each case in ways that take into account the gravity of the alleged offence, the complexity of what is in issue, the severity of the consequences for the accused and others affected, and the needs of other cases.