Innocent Until Proven Guilty Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Innocent Until Proven Guilty?

Innocent until proven guilty is a legal principle that has been employed throughout the world for centuries. It holds that a person accused of a crime is presumed innocent until the government can prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This maxim ensures due process and protects individuals from wrongful conviction. The idea of innocence until proven guilty is one of the cornerstones of justice systems in much of the developed world, and it serves as a reminder to keep an open mind when evaluating evidence in criminal cases.The concept originated with English Common Law in the 17th century, where it was known as the rule of law or benefit of clergy. In this formulation, if someone was charged with a crime they would be given the benefit of being considered innocent unless presented with overwhelming proof that they committed said crime. This protection has since been enshrined into numerous constitutions around the world including those in America, Canada, and Europe. The purpose behind this rule is clear: to protect people who are wrongfully accused from suffering unjust consequences such as incarceration or even execution before they have had their day in court to plead their case and present evidence against them. Furthermore, this principle also serves to discourage false accusations by making sure any accusation must be backed up by verifiable facts rather than hearsay or speculation. Additionally, without this presumption most jurisdictions would struggle to find enough people willing to serve on juries out of fear that they could be held liable for punishing someone who may have actually been innocent all along and rightly so.