D. Cardinal Principles of Criminal Law

Cardinal Principles of Criminal Law: Proof of Guilt and Self-Defense

A criminal conviction requires proof of guilt beyond reasonable doubt. In People v. Alberca, G.R. No. 217459, 7 June 2017, the Supreme Court applied that standard in affirming a conviction for qualified rape. ¹

When an accused admits the act but pleads self-defense, the burden of proving that defense shifts to the accused. In Remegio v. People, G.R. No. 196945, 27 September 2017, the Court held that self-defense cannot be sustained without unlawful aggression by the victim and acquitted the accused after reviewing the evidence. ²