Presumption of innocence

Presumption of innocence is an essential right that the accused enjoys in criminal trials in all countries respecting human rights. It states that the accused is presumed to be innocent until it has been declared guilty by a court. The burden of proof is thus on the prosecution, which has to convince the court of the guilt of the accused.

Related Topics:
Right - Accused - Criminal trials - Human rights - Innocent - Guilty - Court - Burden of proof - Prosecution

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Conversely, in many authoritarian regimes, the prosecution case is, in practice, believed by default unless the accused can prove he is innocent — presumption of guilt.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~