<P> `` Presumption of innocence '' serves to emphasize that the prosecution has the obligation to prove each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt ( or some other level of proof depending on the criminal justice system ) and that the accused bears no burden of proof . This is often expressed in the phrase innocent until proven guilty , coined by the English lawyer Sir William Garrow ( 1760 -- 1840 ) . Garrow insisted that accusers be robustly tested in court . An objective observer in the position of the juror must reasonably conclude that the defendant almost certainly committed the crime . </P>
<P> `` Presumption of innocence '' serves to emphasize that the prosecution has the obligation to prove each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt ( or some other level of proof depending on the criminal justice system ) and that the accused bears no burden of proof . This is often expressed in the phrase innocent until proven guilty , coined by the English lawyer Sir William Garrow ( 1760 -- 1840 ) . Garrow insisted that accusers be robustly tested in court . An objective observer in the position of the juror must reasonably conclude that the defendant almost certainly committed the crime . </P>
where did the phrase innocent until proven guilty come from
where did the phrase innocent until proven guilty come from
English lawyer Sir William Garrow
English lawyer Sir William Garrow