presumption of innocence definition

presumption of innocence

Fundamental principle under which every defendant who enters a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent under common-law system (prevalent in the UK, USA, British Commonwealth, and some other countries). This presumption remains valid until he or she is proven guilty in the due process of law. It is the prosecutor's (government's) burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the defendant is under no obligation to prove his or her innocence except in the rebuttal of the evidence presented.

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