The judicial principles of "innocent until proven guilty" and the right of the defendant to face their accuser primarily stem from the legal traditions originating in English common law. These principles were later incorporated into various legal systems, including the American legal system.
The presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle in criminal law that protects individuals against wrongful convictions, ensuring that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution. The right to confront one’s accuser is also enshrined in various legal frameworks, including the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which guarantees the rights of criminal defendants, including the right to confront witnesses against them.
These principles are foundational to ensuring fairness and justice in the legal process.