what does “beyond a reasonable doubt” mean?
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There are two common standards in legal matters.
The first is “the balance of probabilities”. This means basically 51%, or more likely than not – this is used in civil trials. Say I sue you over something. One of us is right and the other is wrong – so if I can show it is 51% likely I am right, I win.
The other is “beyond a reasonable doubt”. This is used in criminal trials. The state must prove the defendant is guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt”. In that case, if I as prosecutor can show the defendant is 51% likely to be guilty, that isn’t good enough to convict. I have to show there is no “reasonable doubt” as to their guilt.
That is why a defendant may well escape being found guilty, but may be sued for the exact same alleged crime by their victim. The evidence only showed they were more likely than not guilty, but not guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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