Reasonable Doubt
/ˈriːzənəbəl daʊt/
Definitions
- (n.) The standard of proof in criminal trials requiring the jury to be firmly convinced of the defendant's guilt before convicting.
The jury acquitted the defendant because they found that the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Related terms
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Commentary
Reasonable doubt denotes the degree of certainty needed to convict; it is higher than the civil standard and protects defendants from wrongful conviction.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.