What must the accused person do when charged?

In Canada, an accused person is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty. This means that the accused person does not have to prove their own innocence; it is up to the state, through the efforts of the Crown prosecutor, to prove who is guilty.

In Canadian courts, the judge must be convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty. This is a very high standard of proof that affords a great deal of protection to the accused. If there is a reasonable doubt about the guilt of the accused, then he or she must not be convicted.

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October 1996

More Criminal Code FAQs:

• General
• Joyriding
• Shoplifting

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