Malicious Prosecution Claims in the Shadow of Reasonable Doubt: Comparative Perspectives from Common Law Jurisdictions
Keywords:
Wrongful Conviction, Malicious Prosecution, Law of Torts, Acquittal Beyond Reasonable Shadow of Doubt, Vexatious LitigationAbstract
Wrongful convictions remain a persistent issue in criminal justice systems worldwide, it calls for reforms. Yet, the plight of acquitted individuals, particularly those who endure prolonged incarceration before proving their innocence, often remains overlooked. Justice systems lack immediate compensatory mechanisms for acquitted persons, especially at the time of pronouncement of judgement; it leaves malicious prosecution as a potential remedy. However, judicial interpretations often create obstacles: through considering such claims untenable when acquittals are based on the principle of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. This paper critically explores the interaction between the standard of reasonable doubt and the maintainability of malicious prosecution claims. Although an acquittal which is based on reasonable doubt indicates the prosecution's failure to prove guilt, yet it does not debar the maintainability of malicious prosecution. Through a comparative analysis of legal frameworks and judicial interpretations in the United States, England, Pakistan, and India, this study evaluates requirements for sustaining malicious prosecution claims. This study concludes through the importance of adopting a balanced approach. This paper calls for a consistent legal framework that provides justice to victims of wrongful prosecution without discouraging the filing of criminal cases against genuine offenders. Additionally, it proposes amendments to procedural laws to allow for the discussion of malice and the inclusion of a reasonable cause requirement for malicious prosecution in the judgments of criminal trials.
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