Onus of Proof Principle
There is a principle of logic that says that the onus of proof is on the prosecution. The onus of proof is not on the accused.
The accused does not need to prove his/her innocence. The person who is making (or implying) an accusation, is the one who must prove their case.
Paula Radcliffe is suffering from implied allegations of misdeeds. Paula is making a tactical error, in that she is trying to prove her innocence. This is an error, both tactically and logically.
Logically it is an error, because you cannot prove a negative. Since, if nothing happened, then it leaves no clues. Only if something happened does it leave clues. You cannot prove that you didn't do something wrong.
For example, if I said to you, "I accuse you of being a shoplifter who has never been caught. Prove that you are not."
Then you would not be able to prove that you have not ever been a shoplifter. I could say that the absence of evidence of you shoplifting, merely goes to show how skilful you are at avoiding detection.
It is impossible to prove innocence. That is why, in our law courts, you don't have to prove yourself innocent. The prosecution has to prove you guilty, beyond all reasonable doubt.
In the press and on the TV, they break this rule and make assertions, which tantamount to allegations, that X is "Linked to drugs".
The implication is left unsupported and the victim, the athlete, then feels forced to come out and try to deny the allegation.
Paula tried to prove her innocence. But in the act of protesting her innocence, she unwittingly reinforces in the public consciousness, the connection between drugs and her name. Her denial then becomes more fodder for the press to print the following day, to comment on and to further fuel the speculation that she may have something to hide.
They say her denials do not prove her innocence and so that again implies guilt. This is unfair, unjust and illogical.
Those people who are the victims of such smears should invoke the 'onus of proof principle'.
They should not attempt to prove their innocence; which cannot be done. They should challenge their accusers to put up, or shut up.
They should assert their innocence without any attempt to prove it. They should threaten legal action against anyone who claims or suggests, without evidence, that they have committed wrong doing.
Paula, please don't play the press by their rules. Please don't try to prove your innocence - you are innocent until you have been proven guilty.
It is up to your accusers to prove you guilty; not for you to prove you're not guilty. Paula, please apply the onus of proof principle to your accusers.
Stay strong.
Definition: Burden of proof principle
The burden of proof principle is a rule in criminal law that fixes the duty to prove guilt on the accuser, not the accused. It keeps the presumption of innocence, blocks calls to prove a negative, and states that if the accuser lacks solid proof beyond reasonable doubt, the court must free the accused.
Show CG4D Definition
- Places duty to bring evidence on the party that alleges guilt
- Gives the accused a standing presumption of innocence
- Bars any demand that the accused prove a negative
- Leads to acquittal if the accuser fails to meet the required proof level
Article Summary
British law and clear logic say the burden of proof is on the accuser, because a person cannot prove a negative; when the press hints at fault, the smart move is not to hunt for proof of innocence but to insist that the claimant shows hard facts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What does 'onus of proof' mean in British law?
Why is it impossible to prove a negative?
Must an accused person prove innocence in court?
How do media accusations misuse the burden of proof principle?
What is a smart response to a false claim in the press?
Does denying a claim publicly help or harm?
How can someone challenge an accuser effectively?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
Ministry of Justice data show that 79% of defendants tried in the Crown Court between April and June 2024 were found guilty or entered a guilty plea, underscoring the high evidential bar prosecutors must clear before conviction. Ofcom’s 2024 News Consumption report finds that 64% of UK adults who use social media say they came across at least one false allegation about a public figure in the past 12 months.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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