The principles of "innocent until proven guilty" and "the defendant has the right to face their accusers" primarily originate from the Roman legal system and have been incorporated into various legal traditions, particularly in Western legal systems.
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Innocent Until Proven Guilty: This principle, known as the presumption of innocence, is rooted in Roman law and has been a fundamental aspect of modern legal systems, particularly in civil law jurisdictions. It is enshrined in the legal codes of many countries and is a basic tenet of the rule of law.
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Right to Face Accusers: This right is also linked to principles established in Roman law and was further developed in the English common law system. It is embodied in the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution, ensuring that defendants have the right to confront witnesses against them.
These principles reflect the evolution of legal systems designed to protect the rights of individuals and ensure fair trials, emphasizing due process and the protection against wrongful conviction.