Presumption of Innocence and Burden of Proof 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 understanding of the legal principle of presumption of innocence, burden of proof, and the importance of evidence in our justice system. Explore the concepts of proving assertions, the role of the prosecution, and the scientific approach to establishing truth.