In criminal proceedings the
prosecution has the burden of
proving that the accused is guilty
(also known as the onus of
proof).
Strict liability crimes
It is not necessary to prove
that the offender was of a
guilty mind prior to committing
the crime for them to be found
guilty of committing it.
For example a traffic
offence or selling liquor to
people under age.
Standard of proof
This is where the prosecution
must prove that the offender is
guilty of the crime beyond
reasonable doubt.
Presumption of innocence
A person is presumed to be
innocent until he or she is proved
to be guilty.
Age of criminal responsibility
It is presumed that a child under the
age of 10 years cannot form the
intention to commit a crime. A child less
than 10 years cannot, therefore, be
charged with committing a crime.
Crime
Crime can be defined as an
act or omission that is
against an existing law,
harmful to an individual or
society as a whole and
punishable by law.