PhrasesHub

Innocent until proven guilty

    Definitions

      • legal principle
        Presumption that a person is considered innocent of a crime until proven guilty in a court of law

      • fairness
        Belief that a person should not be judged as guilty without sufficient evidence

    Examples of Innocent until proven guilty

    • The politician denied all allegations against him, maintaining his innocence until proven guilty in a court of law.

      This example illustrates the usage of the idiom "innocent until proven guilty" in a sentence. It means that until the point where evidence is presented in a legal setting and a verdict of guilt is officially determined, the person is considered innocent.

    • She has not been convicted of any crime, and until then, she should be treated as an innocent person.

      Here, we see the idiom being used as a reminder that a person's presumptive innocence is a crucial principle that must be respected until their guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

    • The judge instructed the jury that the defendant was innocent until proven guilty, urging them to consider the evidence carefully before reaching a verdict.

      This example shows that the idiom can also be used in the context of a court of law, where it is essential to remind jurors and other legal professionals of the fundamental principle of criminal justice.

    • The social media post was widely criticized as falsely accusing a innocent person, and many commentators reminded their readers that everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

      This final example demonstrates the usage of the idiom in a more general context, emphasizing that in many situations, people can be accused, but until proven guilty, they should not be treated as criminals or viewed as culpable.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "innocent until proven guilty" is commonly used in legal contexts to emphasize the principle that a person should be considered innocent unless proven otherwise. It also reflects the broader concept of fairness, highlighting the importance of evidence and due process in determining someone's guilt. This idiom is often used to advocate for the protection of individuals' rights and to emphasize the need for a fair and just legal system.

    Origin of "Innocent until proven guilty"

    The principle of "innocent until proven guilty" has its roots in English common law and can be traced back to the presumption of innocence in Roman law. The idea that a person should be considered innocent until proven guilty has been a fundamental aspect of legal systems in many countries. This principle is enshrined in various legal documents and has become a cornerstone of the justice system. The idiom itself is a succinct and powerful way to express the concept of presumption of innocence, and it continues to be widely used in legal and everyday contexts.

    Example: In a court of law, the jury must adhere to the principle of "innocent until proven guilty" when considering the defendant's case.