Presumption of Innocence
Definition
The rule that the prosecution carries the burden of proving guilt beyond reasonable doubt and the accused is treated as innocent until that burden is met.
Related terms
- Fair Trial
- The bundle of procedural guarantees, including an independent tribunal, adequate notice of the charge, and a genuine opportunity to answer it, that...
- Prohibition of Torture
- An absolute, non-derogable rule barring torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of any person in custody, with no exception for the...
- Right Against Self-Incrimination
- The protection against being compelled to be a witness against oneself, most often invoked to bar coerced confessions and compelled testimony.
- Right to Legal Aid
- The entitlement of an accused person who cannot afford a lawyer to receive one at state expense, recognised as essential to a...
- Habeas Corpus
- A writ requiring whoever holds a person in custody to bring that person before a court and justify the detention, the primary...
- Nelson Mandela Rules
- The United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, revised and renamed by the UN General Assembly in December 2015,...
- Parole
- Conditional early release from a custodial sentence after a portion has been served. The released person remains under supervision and subject to...
- Victim Participation
- The recognition of a victim's stake in a criminal case beyond being a witness, including being heard at stages such as bail...
Explained in these topics
- Human Rights of Accused, Victims and Prisoners (UGC-NET Unit V)The rule that the prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt and the accused is treated as innocent until that burden is met.
- Human Rights of the Accused and of Persons in Custody