What significant legal principle was upheld in Pell v The Queen (2020)?

In Pell v The Queen (2020), the significant legal principle upheld relates to the impartiality of judges and the importance of fair trial rights. The High Court of Australia found that the previous jury verdicts against Cardinal George Pell were unsafe due to substantial issues surrounding the legal process, including concerns about the trial judge's handling of the evidence and the jury's ability to reach a fair decision.

This case emphasizes the necessity for judges to act impartially and ensure that trials are conducted in a manner that facilitates a fair evaluation of evidence. The court highlighted that any potential bias or failure to adequately inform the jury can undermine the integrity of the judicial process, thereby reinforcing the principle that justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done.

The focus on judicial impartiality ensures that all parties have their cases evaluated fairly, aligning with the broader principles of due process and the rule of law, which are foundational to the criminal justice system.