The "presumption of innocence" is a legal principle that ensures a person accused of a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty. This means that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, which must provide sufficient evidence to establish the accused's guilt. This principle is fundamental in many legal systems, including those in the United States and Europe. This concept protects individuals from wrongful conviction and upholds the idea that everyone deserves a fair trial. It reinforces the notion that accusations alone are not enough to determine guilt, promoting justice and safeguarding individual rights within the legal process.