What does the presumption of innocence mean?
- Accused people must prove their innocence
- Everyone is innocent until proven guilty
- Only citizens can be found innocent
- Police decide who is guilty
Answer: Everyone is innocent until proven guilty
In criminal matters, Canadian courts start from the presumption of innocence: an accused person is innocent until proven guilty. The accused does not have to prove innocence, and the police do not decide guilt. This protection applies to everyone, not only citizens.
Learn more: Due process and the presumption of innocence
- The justice system guarantees everyone due process under the law.
- Due process: the government must respect all the legal rights a person is entitled to under the law.
- Presumption of innocence: in criminal matters, everyone is innocent until proven guilty.
- Canada’s legal heritage includes the rule of law, freedom under the law, democratic principles and due process.
- The blindfolded Lady Justice stands for laws applied impartially, looking only at the facts.