Presumed innocence getting harder to find

Is our system of justice headed for demise? In an interview on CNN, Maize Hirono, senator from Hawaii, was asked by George Stephanopoulos if Brett Kavanaugh should be given the presumption of innocence. She did not respond with a simple yes or no. She alluded that to her, it had to do with his ideology, the way he thinks. That she holds a juris doctorate, has practiced law and yet would not give a straight answer is telling. I am appalled that such a basic, foundational concept of our system of juris prudence could be dependent on one’s ideology, according to the senator. I can hardly imagine what implementing an idea like that holds for the future of America.

After listening to so many Democrat senators expound on their viewpoints concerning the allegations made against Judge Kavanaugh, it gives me significant concern regarding the future of how integral precepts of our legal system are being disregarded and contorted to suit a particular agenda.

In America, one is considered innocent until proven guilty because our justice system is constructed to protect the accused. We do this on purpose to avoid the tragedy of condemning an innocent person. If we surrender that key precept, how are we different from any other authoritarian, despotic, dictatorial government? MARGOT MCLEOD

Clarksville