Presumption of innocence

The presumption of innocence is an important legal principle that is actually quite simple: when someone is accused of a crime, that person is considered innocent until proven guilty. In other words, being accused of a crime does not automatically mean you are guilty.

This principle places the onus on the prosecutor, usually the government, to present convincing evidence that the accused is guilty, in a court of law. The defendant does not have to prove himself innocent; it is the prosecutor's job to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. It is up to the judge or a jury to judge whether the evidence is convincing enough.

This principle is vital to ensure that everyone is treated fairly in the legal system and that no one is unfairly labelled a criminal or punished without proper evidence. It ensures that the rights and freedoms of defendants are protected in a just society.