What is the principle of the "presumption of innocence" within the CCP?

The principle of the "presumption of innocence" within the Code of Criminal Procedure asserts that every accused person is considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This foundational legal concept is essential to the integrity of the criminal justice system, ensuring that individuals facing criminal charges are treated fairly and that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution.

This principle means that it is not the responsibility of the accused to prove their innocence; rather, the prosecution must establish the guilt of the accused through evidence and argument. The standard of "beyond a reasonable doubt" is a high bar, reflecting the serious consequences of a criminal conviction, including potential loss of liberty. By requiring the prosecution to meet this standard, the legal system seeks to protect individuals from wrongful convictions and uphold justice.

The other options do not align with this concept. For example, suggesting that an accused person is deemed guilty until proven innocent fundamentally contradicts the core tenet of fairness in legal proceedings. Similarly, the idea that a defendant must prove their own innocence undermines the accusatorial system where the state bears the responsibility for establishing guilt. The mention of a speedy trial, while an important right, does not encapsulate the presumption of innocence and focuses instead on the timely resolution of legal proceedings