Injuria Non Praesumitur: The Principle That Injury Cannot Be Presumed

Definition & Meaning

The term "injuria non praesumitur" translates to "injury is not presumed." This legal principle asserts that in both civil and criminal cases, a wrong cannot be assumed to have occurred without evidence. In criminal proceedings, the prosecution is required to prove the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt. Similarly, in civil cases, the burden of proof lies with the person alleging the injury, meaning they must provide sufficient evidence to support their claims against the defendant.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Here are a couple of examples illustrating this principle:

  • Hypothetical Example: If a person claims that a neighbor damaged their property, they cannot simply assume that the neighbor is responsible. They must provide evidence, such as photographs or witness statements, to support their claim.
  • Hypothetical Example: In a criminal case, if someone is accused of theft, the prosecution must present clear evidence, such as surveillance footage or eyewitness accounts, to prove that the accused committed the crime.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Burden of Proof The obligation to prove one's assertion. Injuria non praesumitur emphasizes that injury must be proven, while burden of proof refers to who must prove it.
Presumption of Innocence The principle that a person is considered innocent until proven guilty. Injuria non praesumitur applies to civil claims, while presumption of innocence is specific to criminal cases.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to prove an injury or wrongdoing, consider the following steps:

  • Gather evidence to support your claim, such as documents, photographs, or witness statements.
  • Consult with a legal professional to understand your rights and responsibilities.
  • Explore US Legal Forms for templates that can help you prepare necessary legal documents.

In complex cases, seeking professional legal assistance is advisable to navigate the legal system effectively.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Legal Context Civil and criminal law
Burden of Proof On the person alleging injury
Standard of Proof (Civil) Preponderance of the evidence
Standard of Proof (Criminal) Beyond a reasonable doubt

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

It means that injury cannot be assumed and must be proven with evidence.