The presumption of innocence in criminal law is a fundamental human right with two main parts: a general principle of law and a rule of evidence. This means that the presumption limits the government's power and guides how evidence is used in court. The presumption helps ensure that people accused of crimes are treated fairly throughout the legal process. By looking at both real-life cases and theories, it becomes clear that the presumption of innocence has three key aspects that work together to protect individuals in legal proceedings.