In dubio pro reo

*In dubio pro reo* is a core criminal-law guarantee linked to the presumption of innocence. In Swiss criminal procedure, it means the prosecution must prove guilt and essential incriminating facts; if, after lawful evidence assessment, reasonable doubt remains, the court must decide in favour of the accused. The maxim does not require the court to accept every speculative doubt, and it does not prevent free assessment of evidence. It operates mainly at the stage of deciding disputed facts and allocating the consequences of evidentiary uncertainty.