Shadow of Doubt
/ˈʃæd.oʊ əv daʊt/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal standard referring to the presence of minimal uncertainty in evidence insufficient to negate guilt or liability.
The jury's conviction was sustained because the defendant was not even within a shadow of doubt regarding his guilt.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Used primarily to describe a level of uncertainty less than reasonable doubt; often appears in judicial opinions emphasizing the insufficiency of evidence to exclude all uncertainty.
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.