Latest update March 20th, 2025 5:10 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Belief is a personal prerogative

Jun 20, 2023 Dem Boys Seh, Features / Columnists, News

Dem Boys Seh…

Kaieteur News – In English law, there is what is known as the presumption of innocence. It is often described by the statement, “A person is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty.” In practical terms, the presumption of innocence implies that the onus is on the prosecutors to establish the guilt of the person.

The presumption of innocence does prevent anyone from believing that a person, against whom an allegation has been made, is guilty. Nor does it prohibit anyone from having a suspicion that the person is guilty.  But in law, belief is a personal prerogative and should be so kept. But in law, belief cannot be the basis of guilt.

Now some persons want to turn the presumption of innocence on its head. They want the accused to prove innocence, rather than the prosecutors to establish guilt. In the court of public opinion, they condemn without proof and sentence without a hearing.

If we continue along this path, gone will be the days when individuals were considered innocent until proven guilty. No, no, that concept is far too logical and fair. In our new dispensation, the moment an allegation is whispered, the scales of justice tilt abruptly, causing the “presumption of innocence” to morph into its malevolent sibling, the “presumption of guilt.” It’s a magical transformation that leaves even the most innocent souls quaking in their boots.

If the presumption of guilt is to supersede the presumption of innocence, it would instantly mean that based even on a flimsy allegation and a dash of unsubstantiated hearsay, an accused should be charged. On the mere basis of suspicion and the court of public opinion would demand immediate condemnation and prosecution.

The presumption of guilt will then become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Friends turn foes, careers crumble, and lives are irreparably shattered by the whims of public opinion. An allegation becomes truth until disproved.  In such instances, the court of law will then be transformed into a theater of absurdity.

Beware of how we treat with the law and its principles! Beware of those who treat belief as presumption!

Talk Half. Leff Half!

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| March, 17th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

GPF arrests Presidential Guards by 48 runs as cricket action gets underway 

GPF arrests Presidential Guards by 48 runs as cricket action gets...

Mar 20, 2025

2025 Commissioner of Police T20 Cup…  Kaieteur Sports- Guyana Police Force team arrested the Presidential Guards as they handed them a 48-run defeat when action in the 2025 Commissioner of Police...
Read More
Superbet supports One Guyana 3×3 Quest

Superbet supports One Guyana 3×3 Quest

Mar 20, 2025

FIDE Master Drayton outclasses strong competition to lift title 

FIDE Master Drayton outclasses strong competition...

Mar 20, 2025

Wiltshire, Chris dominoes tourney set for March 23

Wiltshire, Chris dominoes tourney set for March

Mar 20, 2025

Houston Sec’, New Central, Saints sent packing

Houston Sec’, New Central, Saints sent packing

Mar 20, 2025

Charles’ all-round performance helps EBDCA U23 to victory

Charles’ all-round performance helps EBDCA U23...

Mar 20, 2025

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]