Presumption of Innocence Versus a Principle of Fairness
Antony Duff has chosen to portray the presumption of innocence (PoI) as a broad and general rule or principle. In his paper, he gives this essentially procedural norm an extensive, explanatory and normative function far outside its usual scope, i.e., the trial. According to Duff, some sort of PoI is engaged at the pre-trial stage as well as in the later face when punishments are executed. The same is the case even after a convicted criminal has served his sentence, i.e., when he is restored to civic life.