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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!

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