Is the Presumption of Innocence in the Constitution?

Being “innocent until proven guilty” is considered one of your basic rights if you’re ever accused of a crime. But is it actually in the U.S. Constitution?

The presumption of innocence is not explicitly written in the Constitution. However, it has been recognized through Supreme Court decisions and is part of your right to due process. For more about your legal rights in a criminal case, talk to a criminal defense attorney.

What Does the Constitution Say About Innocence?

The Constitution does not mention this right by name. Instead, the general principle comes from English common law. It has since been backed up in numerous court rulings, such as Coffin v. United States, from 1895.

The phrase “presumption of innocence” is not in the Constitution. However, the Fifth Amendment has the due process clause. The Fourteenth Amendment extends the Bill of Rights to the states.

Due process generally means the government cannot deprive you of your freedom or property unless they follow the proper procedures. Your right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty is fundamental to due process. The presumption of innocence is a constitutional right, even if it is not directly addressed.

What Is “Beyond a Reasonable Doubt?”

Under due process, you will not be convicted of a crime unless the prosecutor proves that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This high burden of proof in criminal cases is closely related to the presumption of innocence. This is a way to ensure you receive a fair trial. If the jury doubts the defendant’s guilt, they should find them not guilty.

In civil cases, the standard is much lower than in criminal law. In civil law, the standard of proof is by a preponderance of the evidence. This generally means the jury believes it is more likely than not that the defendant did what the other side says they did.

What Does It Mean for Those Accused?

For those accused of crimes in the United States of America, the presumption of innocence and guilt beyond a reasonable doubt means that the burden of proof is on the prosecution to show that you broke the law. People sometimes assume you go to court to prove you are innocent, but this isn’t true. You have no obligation to do so. Criminal defense strategies usually center more on poking holes in the prosecution’s case.

The criminal justice system starts with the understanding that you’re innocent. This only changes if the prosecution establishes guilt to a degree beyond reasonable doubt. You don’t have to prove anything if the prosecution doesn’t meet this burden.

What Are Other Legal Protections?

If you are accused of a criminal act, you have the right to be presumed innocent. This vital principle protects you by shifting the burden of proof to the prosecutor. In addition, the Constitution also gives different protections to the defendant. These include:

• The right to remain silent (Fifth Amendment)
• The right to an attorney (Sixth Amendment)
• Protection against self-incrimination (Fifth Amendment)
• Right to a jury trial (Sixth Amendment)

The right to a jury trial does not apply to all criminal charges. Some petty offenses do not come with the right to a trial by jury.

Understanding Your Rights

It’s essential to understand your legal rights in a criminal case. This includes what you are and are not obligated to do in court. It would be best if you also understood how the due process of law works in a criminal court case.

Never let any assumptions about the legal system cloud your thinking. Remember that you have constitutional rights. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you protect those rights.

Getting an Attorney If You Are Charged With a Crime

Criminal charges are severe and can change your life. But you have several legal protections, including the right to have a lawyer represent you. Even innocent people have the right to a lawyer. A lawyer can represent you during questioning by police and in a court of law.

Depending on your case, you can use several defense strategies. Your attorney may also use plea bargaining to help you avoid the most serious criminal penalties. If you believe your rights were violated or want to learn more about your rights as a defendant, speak to a criminal defense attorney.