The principles of "innocent until proven guilty" and the right of a defendant to face their accusers are foundational elements of the legal systems influenced by the common law tradition, particularly those developed in England and extended to various countries, including the United States. These principles are often associated with the protection of individual rights in criminal proceedings and are enshrined in legal documents such as the Magna Carta and the Bill of Rights.
The presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle in most modern judicial systems, but it is particularly emphasized in the Anglo-American legal framework. It serves to protect defendants from wrongful conviction and maintains that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution. The right to confront one's accusers is outlined in documents such as the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair trial.