The phrase "presumed innocent" refers to the legal principle that a person accused of a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty. This means the burden of proof is on the prosecution, and the accused does not have to prove their innocence. It is a fundamental right in many justice systems to ensure fair treatment and to protect individuals from wrongful conviction. Additionally, "Presumed Innocent" is also the title of a well-known legal thriller novel by Scott Turow (1987) and its adaptations:
- A 1990 American legal thriller film starring Harrison Ford, about a prosecutor who is charged with the murder of his colleague and mistress. The story explores themes of justice, legal intricacies, and personal fallibility.
- A 2024 American legal thriller TV series on Apple TV+, starring Jake Gyllenhaal as Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor who becomes the prime suspect in a murder case, which has been highly acclaimed and renewed for a second season.
If the inquiry is about the legal concept, it highlights the presumption that someone is innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law. If it relates to the entertainment media, it points to these notable adaptations based on the original novel.