What general principle underlies the presumption of innocence in the criminal justice system?

The principle of presumption of innocence is fundamentally rooted in the idea that it is the responsibility of the prosecution to establish a defendant's guilt through evidence and legal argumentation. This means that guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a high standard that serves to protect individuals from wrongful convictions.

Under this principle, an individual accused of a crime is viewed as innocent until the legal system determines their guilt based on a comprehensive and fair evaluation of the evidence presented. This safeguard is paramount in ensuring that no one is unjustly punished without sufficient proof, reflecting the values of fairness and justice that are core to the criminal justice system.

In contrast, disregarding evidence or operating under assumptions of guilt prior to a formal adjudication would undermine the legal protections afforded to defendants. Hence, the correct answer captures the essence of why the presumption of innocence is crucial in legal proceedings.