Trial in absentia

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Trial in absentia is a criminal proceeding in a court of law in which the person being tried is not present. In absentia is Latin for "in (the) absence". Its interpretation varies by jurisdiction and legal system.

In common law legal systems, the phrase is more than a spatial description. In these systems, it suggests a recognition of a violation of a defendant's right to be present in court proceedings in a criminal trial.^{[citation needed]} Conviction in a trial in which a defendant is not present to answer the charges is held to be a violation of natural justice.^[1] Specifically, it violates the second principle of natural justice, audi alteram partem (hear the other party).

In some civil law legal systems, such as that of Italy, absentia is a recognized and accepted defense strategy.^{[citation needed]} Such trials may require the presence of the defendant's lawyer, depending on the country.