presumption of innocence

Noun

Meaning

presumption of innocence (countable and uncountable, plural presumptions of innocence)

(law) The precept that someone will not be convicted of a crime unless (the judge, prosecutor, officer) proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and is non-liquet, with there being no present burden of proof duty subjected on the accused to prove innocence.

Examples

People are entitled to the presumption of innocence. Barney Frank

The presumption of innocence only means you don't go right to jail. Ann Coulter

This is a generation weaned on Watergate, and there is no presumption of innocence and no presumption of good intentions. Instead, there is a presumption that, without relentless scrutiny, the government will misbehave. Dee Dee Myers

I believe I am entitled like any other person to have the presumption of innocence. Peter Slipper

Because a trial would require the "presumption of innocence," such a proceeding would contradict the mission of the National Convention. Source: Internet

Defense attorneys Kristine Hanly and Valerie Randall emphasized that Akers has the presumption of innocence. Source: Internet

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