Crossword Genius

Corrupt state? On the contrary! (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

innocence

'corrupt state?' is the definition.
'innocence' can be an answer for 'state?' (innocence is a kind of state). I'm not certain of the 'corrupt' bit.

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for innocence that I've seen before include "simplicity for you!" , "Honesty" , "clean?" , "Absence of guilt" , "lack of conviction" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun and The Times.
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