Presumption of Innocence
- Law & Governance -
Criminal Law Dictionary
Definition
A criminal-law concept describing conduct, procedure, or legal consequence defined by governing offense or rule elements. It applies only when the legally specified conditions for its use or enforcement are satisfied. It does not apply where required elements or conditions are absent. It materially affects charging, adjudication, detention, or sanction decisions in practice.
Presumption of Innocence
Information & Communication Dictionary
Definition
A foundational legal principle in criminal law that treats every person accused of an offense as innocent until the prosecution proves guilt to the applicable standard (typically beyond a reasonable doubt), and that requires states to allocate burdens and procedural protections accordingly; it also informs responsible public reporting and pretrial treatment.
Presumption of Innocence
Defense, Security & Public Safety Dictionary
Definition
A foundational criminal-law principle that, in criminal proceedings, an accused person is treated as innocent: the prosecution bears the burden of proving the accused's guilt to the applicable standard of proof, and the accused has no obligation to prove innocence.