Also known as: beyond reasonable doubt · proof beyond a reasonable doubt · reasonable doubt · beyond a reasonable doubt
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
2 senses
The evidentiary standard in criminal prosecutions requiring the government to prove every element of an offense to a degree that leaves no reasonable doubt in the mind of a rational factfinder. In the absence of such proof the defendant is presumed innocent.
The evidentiary standard in criminal prosecutions requiring the government to prove every element of an offense to a degree that leaves no reasonable doubt in the mind of a rational factfinder. In the absence of such proof the defendant is presumed innocent.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
A quality of title to real property that is free from reasonable doubt such that a prudent purchaser with full knowledge of the facts would accept it.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
A quality of title to real property that is free from reasonable doubt such that a prudent purchaser with full knowledge of the facts would accept it.
Each sense below has its own examples, sources, and questions.
The government charged Oliver with conspiracy based on recorded conversations and expense reports that vendors described as ordinary hospitality. No document showed an explicit quid pro quo. Because the evidence permitted an equally plausible innocent interpretation, the court entered a judgment of acquittal.
After Bernice was acquitted of homicide, the estate sought to bar her from Glenn's annuity. The probate court applied the preponderance standard and found it more probable than not that Bernice intentionally killed Glenn. The lower civil threshold allowed the slayer finding despite the criminal acquittal.
Carl swung a sharpened hay hook at Devin's chest and neck. The court instructed the jury that use of an instrument calculated to cause death or serious bodily harm permits an inference of intent to kill. The jury found the required mental state satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt.
Fisher was tried for first-degree murder. The trial court instructed the jury that malice, premeditation, and deliberation each had to be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. The Supreme Court reviewed whether the charge correctly allocated the burden on every element.
McCleskey challenged his death sentence by introducing statistical studies showing racial disparities in capital cases. The Court held that the studies did not prove that race was a factor in his particular sentence beyond a reasonable doubt. The conviction and sentence were affirmed.
The factfinder cannot conclude that every element has been proved beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant is entitled to acquittal because innocence is assumed in the absence of such proof.
Supporting sources
No. Slayer status is determined in a civil proceeding under the preponderance standard. A criminal acquittal does not preclude the civil finding because the lower standard applies.
Supporting sources
Yes. Intent to kill is a permissible inference from conduct that is calculated or likely to cause death or serious bodily harm. The inference satisfies the mental-state element when proved beyond a reasonable doubt.
Supporting sources
Allied Production agreed to sell a factory to Dusk Plastics. A title search revealed a recorded option allowing a long-absent tenant to repurchase part of the land. Dusk refused to close because the option created an adverse claim that left reasonable doubt about clear ownership. The court held the title unmarketable and permitted rescission.
…values in law enforcement, although this is similarly true of other limitations such as the grand jury requirement and the reasonable doubt standard. Accusatorial values, however, have openly been absorbed into the due process standard governing confessions; this indeed is why at present "the kinship of the two rules [governing…