William O. Douglas

“ The jury found this defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt after the trial judge had charged that: 'A defendant is not required to establish his innocence but the Government must establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the facts and circumstances surrounding the case are as consistent with innocence as with guilt, he is not guilty.' Six other times the judge explicitly charged the jury to the same effect: The defendant's innocence is presumed; she need not prove it; the burden is on the Government to prove her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. ”

“ The three sentences were: 'Did she steal them? Who did if she did not? You are to decide that.' Instructions such as these as to who stole the coupons were necessary because of the petitioner's defense that somebody else had taken them. ”