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RESEARCH REFERENCE · Part III

Article 20 — Protection in respect of conviction for offences

Addresses ex post facto criminal laws, double jeopardy and compelled self-incrimination.

Part IIIConstitutionOfficial full text linked

How to understand this Article

Article 20 sits in Part III of the Constitution. Its scope comes from the precise words of the provision, relevant exceptions and binding judicial interpretation. A short summary helps identify the issue but cannot answer whether a particular person's rights have been infringed.

Where it becomes relevant

It commonly arises in research on criminal, prosecution, retroactivity double jeopardy self incrimination. Identify whether the question concerns a directly enforceable right, an institutional power, or a Directive Principle before determining the appropriate legal remedy.

What to verify

The Constitution is amended from time to time. Verify the consolidated text, the effective operation of amendments and the legal position laid down by later judgments.

Research caution

The descriptions on this website are educational summaries; they do not constitute case-specific advice or certify that a provision applies to given facts.