reasonable doubt

The doubt that prevents one from being firmly convinced of a defendant’s guilt, or the belief that there is a real possibility that a defendant is not guilty.

• “Beyond a reasonable doubt” is the standard used by a jury to determine whether a criminal defendant is guilty. See Model Penal Code § 1.12. In deciding whether guilt has been proved beyond a reasonable doubt, the jury must begin with the presumption that the defendant is innocent.

— Also termed rational doubt. See BURDEN OF PERSUASION. Cf. clear and convincing evidence under EVIDENCE; PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE. [Cases: Constitutional Law 266(7); Criminal Law 561. C.J.S. Constitutional Law §§ 1028–1029, 1037; Criminal Law § 1108.]

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词条贡献者

译员黎川，在一家顶尖澳洲律师事务所的上海办公室担任全职法律翻译，擅长翻译涉及工业与制造业领域的法律文件。