Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: mysterious disappearance
Presumption: A legal guess that is made based on some information. Usually, these guesses can be proven wrong with more evidence. Sometimes, these guesses are considered true without any chance to prove them wrong.
A presumption is a legal assumption that must be made based on certain facts. In most cases, these assumptions can be challenged or disproven with evidence. However, some presumptions are considered to be true without any opportunity for rebuttal.
These examples illustrate how presumptions work in the legal system. The presumption of innocence means that the prosecution must provide evidence to prove the defendant's guilt, rather than the defendant having to prove their innocence. The presumption of paternity means that a man is assumed to be the father of a child if he is married to the mother, but this assumption can be challenged with scientific evidence.