Court Opinion

ID: 9700119
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-25 21:11:19.613538+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:21:04.716709
License: Public Domain

NIX, Justice
(dissenting).
In my judgment, the majority has failed to perceive the full thrust of appellant’s due process claim. I believe appellant’s position to be meritorious and therefore dissent.
The members of the majority focused upon the question of a speedy trial and concluded that the rights of the accused in that regard were adequately protected. While I do not find that result troublesome, I am concerned that no attention was given to the question of an accused’s right to insist upon trial before his peers for the purpose of seeking public vindication once he has been formally charged with crime.
The protection of due process is not limited to possible threats against one’s penal interest. The reputation of an individual is as precious as any interest and is ofttimes gained only after years of industry and restraint.1 Where a system permits that reputation to be sullied and stained through the government’s virtually unfettered right to initiate prosecution, that system must also pro*602vide the person charged with an adequate opportunity for exoneration where the charges proved to be unwarranted or incapable of substantiation.2
To allow the imposition of a nolle pros, over the objection of the accused, forecloses the right to effectively demonstrate the fallaciousness of the imputation occasioned by the institution of the original prosecution. Even where the possibility of further prosecution is foreclosed, the accused is not relieved of the stigma caused by the arrest and indictment. Where the action is terminated by a nolle pros, it is the decision of the prosecutor and not necessarily the innocence of the person that brings about the result. Where one has a trial before his peers, he is afforded the opportunity to affirmatively demonstrate his innocence.
I am fully cognizant of the presumption of innocence. However, realistically we all must concede that this presumption alone is incapable of fully removing the stain. Due process must also provide a reciprocal right to the person charged to compel the Commonwealth to expose to public scrutiny the basis upon which the charges were brought, and also supply a forum in which testimony may be offered to refute the accusations and eradicate the suggestion of impropriety. The presumption of innocence requires the Commonwealth to prove guilt but it should not be construed as a basis for denying the defendant the right to affirmatively establish his innocence.

. “The purest treasure mortal times afford is spotless reputation.” Shakespeare, King Richard II, Act I, Sc. 1.
“He whose honour depends on the opinion of the mob must day by day strive with the greatest anxiety, act and scheme in order to retain his reputation. For the mob is varied and inconstant, and therefore if a reputation is not carefully preserved it dies quickly.” Spinoza, Ethics, Prop. LVIII, Note.

. Nor can it be argued that an adequate redress is provided by tort liability. In many instances one may be mistakenly charged with crime and yet not have available to him civil redress.