Which term represents the presumption that a defendant is innocent until proven guilty?

The correct term that represents the presumption that a defendant is innocent until proven guilty is "presumption of innocence." This legal principle is foundational to many judicial systems and ensures that an individual is considered innocent in the eyes of the law until sufficient evidence is presented to prove otherwise. It supports the idea that it is the responsibility of the prosecution to establish guilt and upholds the rights of the individual being accused, thereby promoting fairness in the legal process.

The presumption of innocence is crucial in protecting individuals from wrongful conviction and helps prevent miscarriages of justice. It emphasizes the importance of due process, whereby all individuals are given a fair chance to defend themselves against accusations. In practice, this means that if there is doubt about a person's guilt, that doubt benefits the accused.

This principle is also supported by other legal concepts, such as the burden of proof, which indicates that the burden lies with the party making the claim. However, it is the presumption of innocence that specifically articulates the stance that an accused individual should be regarded as innocent until proven guilty through proper legal proceedings.