Definition Of Unschuldsvermutung

Unschuldsvermutung: Principles and Relevance in Criminal Justice

Definition of Unschuldsvermutung

Unschuldsvermutung, also known as the presumption of innocence, is a fundamental principle in criminal justice systems worldwide. It dictates that a person accused of a crime is deemed innocent until proven guilty through a fair and impartial trial.

Implications in Practice

The principle of Unschuldsvermutung has several important implications in criminal justice:

• Burden of Proof: The burden of proving guilt rests solely on the prosecution. The accused does not have to prove their innocence.
• Presumption of Truthfulness: The accused's statements are presumed to be truthful unless proven otherwise.
• Protection from Coercion: The accused cannot be subjected to coercion or intimidation to force a confession or testimony.

The presumption of innocence serves as a safeguard against wrongful convictions and ensures that individuals are treated justly by the criminal justice system.