Principle of Presumption of Innocence Quiz

• The presumption of innocence is a principle in our legal system that allows people to be held without being convicted of a crime until evidence is presented that proves their guilt.
• Prosecutors have the burden of proof to show that the defendant is guilty of all of the elements of an offense charged.
• Evidence is presented to prove an assertion to be true. Proving something is not true is not only contrary to our justice system but is also unscientific.
• In our legal system, we ask the prosecution to prove someone is a murderer. We don't ask an accused person to prove they are not a murderer.
• My students, embedded in social media, have stopped expecting or waiting for facts proving an assertion and instead settle for the conclusion drawn in the accusation unless the accused can somehow prove a negative.
• Even questioning an assertion, accuser, or proclaimed victim about facts is seen as abuse. Thus, I try to get students thinking again. Asking questions, requesting facts, checking sources, testing theories, and debating colleagues create better science and more just outcomes in our legal system.

Test your knowledge about the presumption of innocence and the burden of proof in the legal system. Explore the concepts of evidence presentation, the burden of proof, and the scientific approach to proving assertions true. Challenge yourself to understand the importance of questioning, fact-checking, and debating for a more just legal system and society.