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General Principles in Criminal Law

There are four important principles of the criminal law. These principles are set out briefly here and
discussed more fully later in this topic and in Court - Criminal Matters.

Innocent until proven guilty (the presumption of innocence)

The basis of our system of criminal justice is that a person, although charged with an offence, is considered
innocent until proved guilty of the offence. The magistrate, judge or jury, as the case may be, must be
satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that the person is guilty. Where there is a reasonable doubt, the person
must be acquitted (that is, found to be not guilty of the offence).

The fact that a person has been charged does not mean that she or he is guilty, and any discussion of the
charge should make it clear that at this stage the offence is only alleged.

Burden of proof

The prosecution have the task of proving the guilt of the person who is charged with an offence (the
defendant). For the defendant to be found guilty of an offence, it must be proved beyond reasonable doubt.
It is not up to the defendant to establish her or his innocence.

This rule applies in all criminal trials, although sometimes is up to the defendant to give evidence of a certain
point in the defence case. For example, in those offences which prohibit a certain act 'without reasonable
excuse', the defendant must explain her or his excuse, although it is up to the prosecution to prove that the
excuse is not reasonable.

In some cases the burden of proof of a particular defence (such as insanity) may be on the defendant, but
then the defence need only be proved on the balance of probabilities,and not beyond a reasonable doubt, as
the prosecution must do.

Right to remain silent

Generally a person is not required to answer police questions. However, there are some exceptions to this
rule. The main exception is that a police officer can request the name and address of a person found
committing an offence, or who the police officer has reasonable cause to suspect has committed, or is about
to commit, an offence or of a person who may be able to assist in the investigation of an offence or
suspected offence [Summary Offences Act 1953 s 74A]. In these circumstances a person who refuses to give
her or his name and address, or who gives a false name and address, commits an offence. Drivers of motor
vehicles are also required to give their name and address, and that of the owner of the car, as well as some
questions in relations to firearms see : arrest and questioning.

Double jeopardy
The principle of criminal law called the double jeopardy rule is that no person should be punished more than
once for the same offence and that no person ought to be placed twice in jeopardy (at risk) of being
convicted. This means that a person who has been charged, tried and acquitted cannot be charged again for
the same matter. However, often a new trial is ordered where for example, an appeal court overturns a
conviction or where the first trial resulted in a hung jury or a mistrial.

Changes to the Criminal Procedure Act 1921 (SA) (ss 141- 148) mean that double jeopardy no longer applies
for serious offences such as murder, manslaughter and aggravated rape, provided certain circumstances are
met. There are two situations in which a person can be re-tried for an offence for which they have previously
been acquitted:

Where fresh and compelling evidence not provided at the original trial is produced. This evidence must
be reliable and substantial [Criminal Procedure Act 1921 (SA) s 147]; or
Where the acquittal is shown to be a ‘tainted acquittal’. A tainted acquittal occurs where a person was
not convicted of an offence because an administration of justice offence was committed (offences of
perjury, fabrication or concealment of evidence, bribery, witness or juror intimidation or attempting to
pervert the course of justice). Charges can be laid against the acquitted person if it is more likely than
not that they would have been convicted but for the administration of justice offence [s 148].

General Principles in Criminal Law : Last Revised: Fri Mar 2nd 2018
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