Guilty Until Proven Innocent

Whenever we hear a news story that touches our hearts or makes us angry at injustice, it’s tempting to take a side. Often we take the side that we identify most with, whether it’s because of race, creed, gender, or any number of other factors.

And then we often decide which party is guilty without knowing all (or often any) of the facts. We take a side, we offer support via social media, and we scream injustice.

But fortunately (and I mean VERY fortunately), we live in a country where you’re innocent until proven guilty. I think we take for granted the huge benefit and blessing this is. It’s certainly not a perfect system. And occasionally, it does get things wrong.

But one only has to look to other parts of the world to understand the value it provides in the long run. Kids (literally, young men around 15 years old) have spent years in prison for an unverified, unsubstantiated claim of indecency. This behavior happens throughout the world.

Our justice system is imperfect, but it always gives the suspect the benefit of the doubt. And that’s exactly how it should be.

So before you jump on one-side-or-the-other on your social media feeds, remember. All parties are innocent until proven guilty. And I don’t know about you, but I don’t want it any other way.