assumed innocence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assumed innocence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts or discussions about the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Example: "In a court of law, the defendant is entitled to the protection of assumed innocence until the evidence proves otherwise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Dominic Cuskern and Glynis Bell handle the Bradmans, roles that can so easily distract from the air of assumed innocence the play floats on, with the lightness of ballroom dancers: he the somewhat vacant doctor who likes his gin and she the wife who, for all her distant formality, is a shrewd judge of when someone is about to go berserk.

The New York Times

But being a potential liar who leverages her assumed innocence and her whiteness ― interchangeable in the eyes of the culture ― is a bad trait in anyone. .

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Shouldn't we assume innocence, until proven guilty?

MIT Technology Review

Both Edward and Aunt Kestrel, assuming innocence in this desire, try in their own ways to make up to Leonora for her lack of love, but their efforts have horrible consequences.

The Guardian - Books

This tendency has been well demonstrated in our judgments of the competence of political candidates, or our willingness to assume innocence for someone accused of a crime.

The New Yorker

But in a world where sexual molestation by teachers is a genuine concern, no one wants to assume innocence in a cartoon subplot.

The New York Times

Thus, though triers of fact must assume innocence until guilt is proven (United States Supreme Court1895), research scholars are not so-constrained in the assumptions they can make regarding actual guilt.

Crime Science

Prejudice is usually negative, although I suppose we could have a prejudice towards assuming innocence in the absence of evidence.

Huffington Post

We simply have to normalize the culture of violence around us, stay silent in the midst of others' oppression, and assume the innocence of whiteness at all costs.

HuffPost

On the other hand, it is the brief of the defence to assume the innocence of the defendant and to construe the same evidence in such a way as to demonstrate that innocence.

City, Territory and Architecture

But they did not assume her innocence.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or ethical matters, use "assumed innocence" to highlight the initial state of being considered innocent before evidence suggests otherwise. This is particularly relevant in contexts where that assumption is being challenged or debated.

Common error

Avoid using "assumed innocence" to suggest that someone is definitively innocent. "Assumed innocence" indicates a starting point, while proven innocence implies a conclusive finding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assumed innocence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or the subject complement. It describes a state or condition. Ludwig examples show it being used to explain legal and ethical standpoints.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "assumed innocence" is a correct and usable phrase that refers to the state of being considered innocent until proven guilty. Ludwig examples show its application in legal and ethical discussions, particularly within news and media contexts. Alternatives include the more formal "presumption of innocence" but it's critical to distinguish it from proven innocence, representing the starting point of a judgment rather than a conclusive finding. Although the phrase occurs rarely, the AI suggests that it is appropriate to be used in legal contexts. The phrase carries a generally neutral tone but can also be formal based on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Innocence until proven guilty

This is a legal principle that ensures the individual's rights are protected.

Presumption of innocence

This is a formal legal term, interchangeable with "assumed innocence" in many contexts but carrying a stronger legal connotation.

Presumed innocence

Slightly more common and direct synonym, focusing on the act of presuming innocence.

Inferred innocence

Focuses on drawing a conclusion of innocence based on available information, rather than an initial assumption.

Innocence by default

Highlights the concept of innocence being the starting point until proven otherwise.

Taken-for-granted innocence

Emphasizes that the innocence is not just assumed, but also possibly overlooked or not questioned.

Initial innocence

Focuses on innocence as the state at the beginning of a process or investigation.

Apparent innocence

Highlights that the innocence is based on appearances and may not be genuine.

Prima facie innocence

A legal term indicating innocence based on the first impression or initial evidence.

Assumed blamelessness

Shifts the focus from 'innocence' to the lack of blame, implying a slightly different perspective.

FAQs

What is the meaning of "assumed innocence"?

The phrase "assumed innocence" refers to the state of being considered innocent until proven guilty, often in a legal or ethical context. It's the idea that one starts from a position of innocence.

How does "assumed innocence" relate to the presumption of innocence?

The "presumption of innocence" is a legal principle, and "assumed innocence" is a way of describing that initial state. They are closely related and often used interchangeably, although "presumption of innocence" carries a more formal legal weight.

When is it appropriate to use "assumed innocence" in writing?

Use "assumed innocence" when you want to emphasize the initial state of being considered innocent, especially when that assumption is being questioned, challenged, or needs to be actively upheld. It is key in legal, ethical, and journalistic discussions.

What are some alternative phrases for "assumed innocence"?

Alternatives include "presumed innocence", "inferred innocence", or the legal term "presumption of innocence", each carrying slightly different nuances in implication.