A fundamental safeguard

A person suspected of an offence or facing prosecution is presumed innocent until their guilt has been legally established. An accusation or the opening of an investigation is therefore not enough to establish that the person has committed an offence.

Implications for the justice system

It is for the prosecution to prove guilt in accordance with procedural rules and the rights of the defence. The person facing prosecution must be able to challenge the evidence presented against them.

Key point: the presumption of innocence does not prevent an investigation; it governs how the person is treated and tried.