Defense Attorney: Why would there be a presumption of innocence and a requirement for proof beyond a reasonable doubt written into our laws?
Venireman: Because of the Spanish Inquisition.
It's an answer I would not have reached. Maybe the thought of trial by ordeal/water/fire
an ancient judicial practice by which the guilt or innocence of the accused
was determined by subjecting them to an unpleasant, usually dangerous experience.
Classically, the test was one of life or death and the proof of innocence was survival.
But I'd heard of the Spanish Inquisition, of course. Theoretically the purpose
was to ensure the citizens of Fifteenth Century Spain be Christian,
renouncing Judaism or Islam, if they once had claimed them.
Of course, the vigor of "reform" and purification led to the execution of
thousands. Execution was often by burning alive, but those who repented were
killed with an iron collar before being burned.
History haunts us, as nations, as individuals, as groups. If we judge others
rather than allowing them to live with their own decisions,
we build a past of oppression, of unfairness, of setting ourselves above others.
It's far better to allow others to exist on their own terms, offering hope to those
who want what we have, but remembering what they do is none of our business,
what they think of us is none of our business. But we'll offer all who seek it hope and serenity.
an ancient judicial practice by which the guilt or innocence of the accused
was determined by subjecting them to an unpleasant, usually dangerous experience.
Classically, the test was one of life or death and the proof of innocence was survival.
But I'd heard of the Spanish Inquisition, of course. Theoretically the purpose
was to ensure the citizens of Fifteenth Century Spain be Christian,
renouncing Judaism or Islam, if they once had claimed them.
Of course, the vigor of "reform" and purification led to the execution of
thousands. Execution was often by burning alive, but those who repented were
killed with an iron collar before being burned.
History haunts us, as nations, as individuals, as groups. If we judge others
rather than allowing them to live with their own decisions,
we build a past of oppression, of unfairness, of setting ourselves above others.
It's far better to allow others to exist on their own terms, offering hope to those
who want what we have, but remembering what they do is none of our business,
what they think of us is none of our business. But we'll offer all who seek it hope and serenity.
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