Lord Hale (1678) says:
"In some cases, presumptive evidence goes far to prove a person guilty, though there be no express proof of the fact to be committed by him; but then it must be very warily pressed, for it is better five guilty persons should escape unpunished than one innocent person should die."
2 Hale P.C. 290. He further observes:
"And thus the reasons stand on both sides, and though these seem to be stronger than the former, yet in a case of this moment, it is safest to hold that in practice, which hath least doubt and danger,*quod dubitas, ne feceris."
1 Hale P.C. 24.
Blackstone (1753-1765) maintains that "the law holds that it is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer." 2 Bl.Com. c. 27, margin p. 358*ad finem.
How fully the presumption of innocence had been evolved as a principle and applied at common law is shown inMcKinley's Case*(1817), 33 St.Tr. 275, 506, where Lord Gillies says:..
*I conceive that this presumption is to be found in every code of law which has reason and religion and humanity for a foundation. It is a maxim which ought to be inscribed in indelible characters in the heart of every judge and juryman, and I was happy to hear from Lord Hermand he is inclined to give full effect to it.
the fact that the presumption of innocence is so elementary that instances of denial to charge it upon request have rarely occurred....
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