In ancient Rome, the basic principle of "Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty" was unfamiliar to citizens. In Roman law, the accused had to prove their innocence rather than being presumed innocent by default. This concept of innocent until proven guilty is a fundamental aspect of modern legal systems, providing individuals with a fundamental right and protection.
This principle ensures that individuals are not automatically assumed guilty and must be proven so through evidence and a fair trial. It shifts the burden of proof from the accused to the prosecution, emphasizing the importance of due process and fairness in legal proceedings. This principle helps safeguard individuals from unjust accusations and wrongful convictions, highlighting a significant difference between ancient Roman legal practices and contemporary laws.
