Innocent until proven Guilty – or Trial by Social Media

When I was growing up the adage always was innocent until proven guilty.

This remains the backbone of our judicial system and is only fair and reasonable.

Without this society is lost.

Now in the modern world where results are expected instantly, there is an apparent demand for instant justice.

Unfortunately, this is not possible, if the facts are to be considered and proper consideration to the allegation is undertaken.

It would appear though that this isn’t good enough for many who seek to condemn without due process.

Now don’t get me wrong, there is often no smoke without fire, but this isn’t always the case.

The concern I have is that once an allegation is uttered it is out of the jar and in the big wide world, it can’t be unsaid and no matter what the alleged will be tarnished forever whether guilty or innocent.

Now if the allegation is proven, then it could be said “so what the ‘bastard’ got their just reward.”

But what if following the court case, the accused are proven innocent. Their name is forever tarnished, and their career or reputation in ruins.

Two differing allegations have recently been in the media.

• A political one regarding, alleged bullying by DR, the other
• A sports star, for alleged attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault  occasioning ABH by MG

I realise one has still to be fully investigated, and is rather trivial, but so what, surely some will say “he needs to go.”

The other apparently, “there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.”

Now already the lines have clearly been drawn and peoples minds already clear, either guilty as hell and should be kicked out of his job, or innocent and should be allowed to carry on in their job, no matter what the outcome of the due process.

We unfortunately live in a world where people do bad things. There are some awful humans out there, but I am afraid that until the facts are fully established and considered social media, can’t become the means of establishing guilt.

That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have an opinion on matters, that remains our privilege.

We can’t however become judge and jury to allegations.

The dilemma we have, is that allegations may be truthful and the guilty need to be punished, but sometimes, not often I know, the allegations are unfounded, and then the accused becomes the victim.

While I do wish to see, that anyone that has been violated does get the justice they seek and deserve, it should not be at the cost of a fair trial and a full and proper process to establish the guilt.

So until there is something better, unfortunately it remains…Innocent until proven Guilty.