Presuming Innocence

Duff, R. A.

Abstract

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Presuming Innocence

R. A. Duff

University of Minnesota Law School

July 10, 2012

Principles and Values in Criminal Law and Criminal Justice: Essays in Honour of Andrew Ashworth (J. Roberts & L. Zedner, eds.), Oxford University Press, Forthcoming
Minnesota Legal Studies Research Paper 12-32

Abstract:
I discuss two questions about the meaning and implications of the Presumption of Innocence. First, is it consistent with laying either an evidential or a persuasive burden on the defendant at trial? I argue that it can be consistent with laying an evidential burden, once the prosecution proves the commission of what can properly be counted as a presumptive wrong. Second, should we understand ‘innocence’ in this context in purely legal terms, as innocence of what the law defines as an offense; or in more moralised terms? I argue for a strict formal reading of ‘innocence.’

Number of Pages in PDF File: 25

Keywords: Presumption of innocence, burdens of proof, reverse burdens, reasonable doubt, legal and moral innocence

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Date posted: July 11, 2012

Suggested Citation

Duff, R. A., Presuming Innocence (July 10, 2012). Principles and Values in Criminal Law and Criminal Justice: Essays in Honour of Andrew Ashworth (J. Roberts & L. Zedner, eds.), Oxford University Press, Forthcoming ; Minnesota Legal Studies Research Paper 12-32. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2103337

Contact Information

Robin Antony Duff (Contact Author)

University of Minnesota Law School ( email )

229 19th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55455
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.law.umn.edu/facultyprofiles/duffa.html