Explain the principle of "innocent until proven guilty.

The principle of "innocent until proven guilty" is a fundamental tenet of criminal law that presumes an individual's innocence until the prosecution can establish guilt through a fair and impartial legal process. This principle places the burden of proof squarely on the prosecution, requiring them to provide sufficient evidence to convince a court or jury beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused committed the alleged crime.

Under this principle, an individual is considered innocent at the outset of legal proceedings, and the case proceeds with the presumption that the accused is not guilty. The accused is not required to prove their innocence; instead, the prosecution must demonstrate the culpability of the defendant.

This foundational principle safeguards the rights of individuals, ensuring they are not unfairly deprived of their liberty or rights based on mere allegations. It reflects the concept that it is better for a guilty person to go free than for an innocent person to be wrongly convicted. Upholding this presumption of innocence contributes to a fair and just legal system by placing a significant burden on the state to meet a high standard of proof before imposing criminal sanctions.