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Old 10-20-2006, 11:47 AM   #14
sStevenRitziI

Join Date
Oct 2005
Posts
391
Senior Member
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Just to prove that this forum can be educational let me point out that many people, including some judges, will say "innocent until proven guilty". That is incorrect. The proper maxim is "innocent unless proven guilty".

To many, whose attention to detail and precision in language is not important, it would seem to be a distinction without a difference. However, if we look at it carefully we see that there is a fundamental difference. The word until implies that it is simply a matter of time, i.e. "he is presumed innocent so let's get all this testimony shit overwith so we can convict him". On the other hand, unless is exclusive. "If the evidence does not prove each and every element of the crime charged beyond a reasonable doubt we must acquit."

Next lesson: Innocent and not guilty are not synonyms. There is no "innocent" verdict.
Now for the important stuff. If you want to get off jury duty, during voir dire, when asked if you can impartially decide the case say; "Police don't arrest people if they aren't guilty". The judge will smile and they will send you home.
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