Can a Person Be Treated as Guilty Merely Because an Allegation Is Made? Understanding Burden of Proof and Onus of Proof

When a person is accused of committing a criminal offence, a common misconception is that once an allegation is made, the accused must prove that he or she is innocent. That is not the basic rule of criminal law. The prosecution ordinarily carries the burden of proving the guilt of the accused. The accused is presumed innocent until guilt is established according to law.

CRIMINAL LAW