Reasonable Doubt

The main job of a juror in a criminal trial is to apply the presumption of innocence and the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Defendants begin the trial process with a clean slate. In other words, they are presumed to be innocent of the crime they are accused of committing.

To overcome the presumption of innocence, the prosecution must prove every element of the crime or crimes beyond a reasonable doubt.

The requirement that the prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt is called the burden of proof. The defendant is not required to prove his or her innocence. And they have a right not to testify. 

What is reasonable doubt? It’s a doubt about the defendant’s guilt that arises from the evidence presented, or from a lack of evidence. A reasonable doubt is a doubt based upon reason and common sense. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt must be proof so convincing that, after consideration, you would be willing to rely and act upon it without hesitation in your important affairs.

A defendant must never be found guilty based on mere suspicion, speculation, or guesswork.

What is proof beyond a reasonable doubt? It is the highest level of proof in our legal system. It is not enough that you believe a defendant is probably or likely guilty or even that the evidence shows a strong probability of guilt; the law requires more. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt is proof that overcomes any reasonable doubt about the defendant’s guilt.