Statement — Rape rarely has witnesses; therefore the law has laid the onus of proving innocence on the accused. Conclusions — I. The accused can prove himself innocent. II. Witnesses are available in cases other than rape.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: if neither I nor II follows

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This logical question is about what necessarily follows from a statement regarding burden of proof motivated by scarcity of witnesses in certain crimes. We evaluate each conclusion’s necessity strictly from the given statement.



Given Data / Assumptions:


  • The statement asserts scarcity of witnesses in rape and a consequent allocation of burden of proof on the accused.
  • It does not evaluate whether this burden can, in practice, be discharged.
  • It does not generalize about witness availability for all other crimes.


Concept / Approach:
Conclusions must be guaranteed by the statement. Ability to prove innocence (I) is not implied by imposition of burden; it states only where the burden lies. A general claim about other crimes (II) is also not warranted; stating “rarely” for rape does not quantify or characterize all other categories.



Step-by-Step Solution:


Test I: Burden ≠ capability. From “onus lies on the accused,” we cannot deduce “the accused can prove innocence.” Not all accused persons possess exculpatory evidence.Test II: From “rape rarely has witnesses,” one cannot infer “other cases have witnesses.” Some may, some may not; the statement is silent.


Verification / Alternative check:
Try to negate either conclusion and see whether the original statement becomes inconsistent. It does not; hence neither conclusion is necessary.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:


Only I / Only II / Either / Both: each assumes information not contained in the premise.


Common Pitfalls:
Reading normative/legal commentary into logical entailment; do not import outside knowledge about criminal law or statistics.



Final Answer:
Neither I nor II follows.

More Questions from Statement and Conclusion

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