It is very easy today to get swept away by stories we read in the media concerning pending high profile criminal cases. We are extremely eager to read every new detail as it is discovered and printed by the news media. Somewhere in all the stories and finger pointing, the presumption of innocence gets lost. It is important to note that very rarely do we have all the information necessary to make such a judgement. This is why the accused are offered trials and the assistance of counsel. Although forming quick opinions on guilt or innocence can be contagious, we should resist the urge to brand someone guilty until all the facts have been brought out at trial. The presumption of innocence is one of the greatest rights that this nation has bestowed upon us. Remember this the next time there is a "breaking story" and the peson next to you exclaims "he must be guilty"!
