MENTAL MODEL · M11115

Innocent Until Proven Guilty

CultureHigh supportLaw

Included

Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

When evidence is insufficient to prove guilt, the presumption should be innocence, not guilt. It protects the rights of the defendant. Scaffold role: burden of proof, protection of human rights. It is the bottom-line principle to prevent wrongful convictions.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Burden of proof, protection of human rights. Bottom-line principle to prevent wrongful convictions.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Innocent until proven guilty is a criminal law principle: when the evidence for accusation is insufficient, the accused should be found not guilty, reflecting the preference for letting the guilty go free over convicting the innocent. It places the burden of proof on the prosecution.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Practice this model in one real situation:

Before assigning blame, first ask whether the evidence is sufficient. If evidence is insufficient, rule in favor of the party favored by the law. Place the burden of proof on the party making the claim.

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Source support: Explicit

link
zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%97%A0%E7%BD%AA%E6%8E%A8%E5%AE%9A%E5%8E%9F%E5%88%99ZH · Explicit
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