Ártatlanság

Ár tatlanság, or ártatlanság in Hungarian, is the state of not having committed an offense. In everyday and legal use, the term most often refers to the presumption of innocence in criminal proceedings: a person who is suspected or accused is treated as innocent until proven guilty. This principle is a core element of due process and applies throughout investigations and trials.

The presumption of innocence assigns the burden of proof to the prosecution and requires a standard of evidence that supports a finding of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in many legal systems. It also underpins the rights of the defense, including access to evidence, the right to counsel, cross-examination, and protection against unjust or prejudicial treatment. The concept helps ensure that a person’s liberty and reputation are not unnecessarily compromised before a lawful, fair determination of guilt.

Etymologically, ártatlanság derives from ártatlan, meaning blameless, with the abstract noun suffix -ság. In Hungarian law and public discourse, it denotes both a moral attribute and a procedural status granted to individuals during criminal proceedings.

Internationally, the principle is recognized as part of fundamental human rights. Documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights affirm that everyone charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proved guilty. While implemented differently across jurisdictions, ár tatlanság remains a foundational standard for fair adjudication and the protection of individuals against wrongful condemnation.