What historical document suggested a presumption of innocence?

The document that suggested a presumption of innocence is recognized as the Magna Carta. This foundational text, created in 1215, laid down principles that would influence the development of common law and legal systems. One of its essential stipulations was that no free man could be imprisoned, dispossessed, exiled, or destroyed unless by the lawful judgment of his peers or by the law of the land. This principle directly implies that individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty through a fair trial process, establishing a vital cornerstone for legal rights and due process that continues to underpin modern justice systems.

Other options, while significant in their own rights, do not specifically outline the presumption of innocence. The Bill of Rights primarily focuses on individual rights, while Hammurabi's Code is more about establishing punitive measures for crimes rather than protecting the accused. The Declaration of Independence emphasizes individual liberties and the right to pursue happiness but does not explicitly address legal presumptions regarding innocence. Thus, the Magna Carta is the key document suggesting this critical legal principle.