The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #165139   Message #3958668
Posted By: Iains
27-Oct-18 - 05:04 AM
Thread Name: BS: 'Sir' Philip Green
Subject: RE: BS: 'Sir' Philip Green
There is a problem balancing the people's right to know against a slur on the character of the accused that sticks (The no smoke without fire mantra)

Those unfortunates accused of rape and subsequently cleared being prime examples.
    Where that balance should lie is a matter for only Parliament to decide. There is a presumption of innocence until proved guilty in English law.

Not proven is a concept of Scottish Law only. Putting names and accusations in the public arena leaves a permanent taint of not proven.
This is known as the bastard verdict.

and not without cause!

Essentially putting names in the public arena generates the equivalent of a bastard verdict before there is even a trial. Furthermore there is no mechanism of adequate redress.

Certain of those posting on this forum give plentiful examples.