Some may remember, if you have good memories, that there used to be a concept in Anglo-American law called a presumption of innocence, innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Now that's so deep in history that there's no point even bringing it up, but it did once exist.

Noam Chomsky’s quote reflects his concern over the erosion of the presumption of innocence in modern legal systems, particularly in Anglo-American law. He refers to the principle that a person is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, a cornerstone of justice and fairness. Chomsky argues that this once foundational concept has become so undervalued and forgotten in contemporary society that it seems almost irrelevant to bring it up today, highlighting a shift in the way justice is perceived and administered.

The quote also suggests a sense of disillusionment with the current state of legal systems, where the rights of individuals are often undermined. By stating that the presumption of innocence is now "so deep in history," Chomsky implies that the legal system has moved away from its original principles of fairness and due process. This reflects a broader critique of how societal and legal changes have gradually eroded protections for individuals, especially those who are accused of crimes.

Chomsky’s words point to a growing trend where the burden of proof has shifted, and people may be presumed guilty before their guilt is even proven. This is particularly evident in contexts like media trials, where public opinion can often determine guilt or innocence before a legal proceeding has even begun. He seems to suggest that the legal system, once a defender of rights, has become complicit in the erosion of basic freedoms and justice.

The origin of the quote lies in Chomsky’s ongoing critiques of political and social systems. As a linguist, philosopher, and social critic, he has frequently commented on the decline of democratic principles and the erosion of legal protections in the modern era. His focus on the presumption of innocence serves as an example of how legal systems are increasingly disregarding foundational concepts of justice and fairness.