Innocent Untill Proven Guilty

In 1895, the United States Supreme Court noted that:

The principle that there is a presumption of innocence in favor of the accused is the undoubted law, axiomatic and elementary, and its enforcement lies at the foundation of the administration of our criminal law. The Coffin Court, after stating this principle, pointed out that the concept is so well-established that “[i]t is stated as unquestioned in the text-books” and went on to explain that the presumption of innocence can be traced back to ancient Greek and Roman law and even to the book of Deuteronomy.

The presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle in the criminal law of the United States, relieving criminal defendants of the burden of proving their own innocence. Criminal defendants in the United States are innocent of any crime until proven guilty, placing the burden of proving guilt upon the prosecution. The government is given the responsibility of producing enough evidence and arguments to prove the guilt of criminal defendants beyond a reasonable doubt. No matter what indictment or formal charges are brought against the defendant, and no matter what the personal feelings of those involved may be, if government prosecution cannot decisively demonstrate the defendant's guilt in trial then that person is legally "not guilty" and free to go.

If Humanity can fully grasp the implication of this law, we will live in a world, free of inferiority, guilt; suspicion, accusation and condemnation, and maybe entrusted with world peace. In my study this morning, I tried to grasp the fullness and origin of this law, an ancient law stating back to the book of Deuteronomy, and even all the way back to the birth of the human race. For me this law is so much more than a mere written code, it is the essence of life. This law holds the ingredient of the most powerful influence humanity can ever encounter. Doctrines and religion blindfolded humanity for so many years, pilfering us from the greatest gift ever, the gift of innocence. For so many years religious teachers, showed us the way to repentance, not understanding the original meaning, `the word translated, repentance, is the Greek word Metanoia which means a positive change of mind and perception. ` Changing your perception towards God and humanity, God is the most attractive Being in the universe and yet almost all of us have a twisted opinion of Him because of the way religion presented Him along with our fellow citizens.

In the book of Romans Paul wrote; Chapter 2/ 2:1 A presumed knowledge of that which is right or wrong does not qualify you to judge anyone. Especially if you do exactly the same stuff you notice other people do wrong. You effectively condemn yourself. No man is another man’s judge. 2:2 God must judge all transgression, but your judging others does not make them any
guiltier chapter3/ 3:23 The same mass of mankind that was once reduced to an inferior identity through their sin, 3:24 is now gifted with acquittal on the basis of the ransom paid by Jesus Christ for their liberation. 3:25 Jesus is the public exhibition of God’s mercy. His blood persuades mankind that God has dealt with the historic record of their sin. He has done it in such a way that His own justice is satisfied. All along God refused to let go of man.3:26 At this very moment His act of righteousness is pointing mankind to the evidence of their innocence, with Jesus as the source of their faith. (Mirror Translation)

For centuries we have underestimated the Gospel of Jesus Christ, maybe it’s because we don’t fully grasp our one law; Double Jeopardy Double jeopardy is a procedural defense (and, in many countries such as the United States, Canada, Mexico and India, a constitutional right) that forbids a defendant from being tried twice for the same crime on the same set of facts. At common law a defendant may plead autrefois acquit or autrefois convict (a peremptory plea), meaning the defendant has been acquitted or convicted of the same offense.[1] If this issue is raised, evidence will be placed before the court, which will normally rule as a preliminary matter whether the plea is substantiated, and if it so finds, the projected trial will be prevented from proceeding.

Wow in Chris God has declared Humanity innocent, blameless and without lack in anything. According to our own law; we are not endorsed to judge any person again. Let us now all live in a world of love and expectance, empowered by tolerance.

Warm regards

Francois Janse van Rensburg