Presumption of Innocence

Presumption of Innocence

Introduction

In its common definition, the presumption of innocence means that a person even suspected of committing an offense is innocent until he is proved guilty. Legally, the presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle which is based on the charge of the burden to prove the guilt of an accused. There are three categories depending on the severity of offense and penalties: violations, misdemeanors and felonies. A person cannot be considered guilty before being tried by a court. The principle of presumption of innocence guaranteed by multiple texts: it appears in the Declaration of Human Rights of ...