presume guilty (B2)
phrase
Pronunciation: /prɪˈzuːm ˈɡɪlti/
Definition
To assume someone is guilty of a crime before they have been proven guilty, often used in the context of a trial or legal proceeding.
Examples
The media should not presume guilty and influence public opinion before the trial.
It's important not to presume guilty and to consider all the evidence before making a judgment.
How to Use presume guilty
- presume guilty until proven innocent (idiom)
- to assume someone is guilty until they are proven innocent — "The media often presume guilty until proven innocent, which can be unfair to the accused."
- not presume guilty (phrase)
- to not assume someone is guilty — "The judge instructed the jury not to presume guilty and to consider all the evidence."
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