Code:
(1) If the Magistrate, upon taking the evidence referred to in section 254 and such further evidence, if any, as he may, of his own motion, cause to be produced, finds the accused not guilty, he shall record an order of acquittal.
(2) Where the Magistrate does not proceed in accordance with the provisions of section 325 or section 360, he shall, if he finds the accused guilty, pass sentence upon him according to law.
(3) A Magistrate may, under section 252 or section 255, convict the accused of any offence triable under this Chapter, which from the facts admitted or proved he appears to have committed, whatever may be the nature of the complaint or summons, if the Magistrate is satisfied that the accused would not be prejudiced thereby.
Explanation:
Section 255 lays down the two primary outcomes of a criminal trial:
- Conviction: When the court finds the accused guilty, it convicts them and imposes a sentence according to the law. This means the court finds that the prosecution has proven the accused’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
- Acquittal: If the court finds the accused not guilty, it acquits them. This implies that the prosecution failed to prove the accused’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Illustration:
Let’s say a person is accused of theft. After the trial, the court examines the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense. If the court finds that the evidence proves beyond reasonable doubt that the accused committed theft, it will convict them and sentence them according to the law, such as imprisonment or a fine. However, if the evidence is insufficient to prove the accused’s guilt, the court will acquit them.
Common Questions and Answers:
Q: What is the standard of proof required for conviction?
A: The prosecution must prove the accused’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt. This means the evidence presented should be convincing and leave no room for any reasonable doubt about the accused’s guilt.
Q: Can the court convict an accused based on suspicion or probability?
A: No. The court can only convict an accused based on concrete evidence that establishes their guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Mere suspicion or probability is not enough.
Q: What happens if the court is unable to reach a conclusion about the guilt or innocence of the accused?
A: In such cases, the court may order a retrial or may acquit the accused due to lack of sufficient evidence.
