what does “beyond a reasonable doubt” mean?
In: 7
Beyond a reasonable doubt is a high level of certainty that is needed in a criminal case, in order to find the person guilty. At the end of a criminal trial, a judge will explain to the jury that, in order to find the defendant guilty of the crime, you must be so convinced by the evidence, that you have no reasonable doubt.
In other types of legal cases, the level of certainty is lower. Usually by a preponderance of evidence, which basically means you’re more than 50% sure. In other words it’s more likely than not.
But to convict someone of a crime, the level of certainty is much higher. Lawyers are not allowed to give it a percentage in court, but you can think of it as being 99% sure, instead of 51% sure.
Criminal Cases: Beyond a reasonable doubt= 99% sure
Most other legal cases: Preponderance of evidenct= 51% sure
Latest Answers