A.O.S 2 - The presumption of innocence

Criminal Law

The body of law that relates to crime.

Standard of proof

The extent of a case to be proven.

Actus Reus

A Latin term for "Guilty Act"; The physical act of committing a crime.

Mens rea

A Latin term meaning 'guilty mind' and is the mental element of crime.

Common Law

A law made by judges

Summary offense

A minor offense usually heard within the magistrate court.

Accused

A person who has allegedly committed crime.

Accessory

A person who knows of someone who has witnessed a crime being committed.

Indictable offense

A serious offense typically heard by the Supreme or County court.

Indictable offense heard and determined summarily

A serious offense which can be determined as a summary offense if the court and accused agree.

Crime

An act against; (1) An existing law and/or (2) Harmful to an individual or society.

Jury

An independent group of people chosen at random to debate in a legal case.

Strict liability

For being responsible for committing a crime intentionally meant to harm.

Principal offender

Someone who has committed a guilty act (Actus Reus) Someone who has directly committed a crime.

Bail

The release of an accused from custody on terms that they will attend a court hearing to answer the charges.

Burden of proof

The responsibility of the party to prove a case; usually rests with the plaintiff.

Presumption of innocence

The right of the accused to be identified as innocent until proven guilty.

Beyond Reasonable Doubt

The standard of proof in a criminal case.