Also known as: reasonable doubt · beyond a reasonable doubt · beyond reasonable doubt · BRD
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
The prosecution's burden to establish every element of a charged offense to the factfinder's satisfaction before a conviction may be returned. The standard protects the presumption of innocence by requiring the government to eliminate reasonable uncertainty about the defendant's guilt.
The state charged Robert Rivera with theft. The trial judge instructed the jury that it could convict only if the prosecution proved every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. The jury acquitted after finding a reasonable doubt on the element of intent.
The state charged Riley Rivera with theft. The trial judge instructed the jury that it could convict only if the prosecution proved every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. The jury acquitted after finding a reasonable doubt on the element of intent.
Ronald Reed petitioned to bar Ruby Rivera from inheriting under their parent's will, alleging she feloniously killed the decedent. The probate court applied the preponderance standard rather than reasonable doubt and found Ruby to be the slayer after a civil trial.
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Rina Rahman faced assault charges after striking an attacker. The trial judge instructed the jury that the prosecution must disprove the justification defense beyond a reasonable doubt. The jury acquitted after finding reasonable doubt that the force used was justified.
The state petitioned to adjudicate Robert Rivera delinquent for an act that would constitute larceny if committed by an adult. The family court applied the reasonable doubt standard to each element and dismissed the petition when the evidence left reasonable uncertainty about identity.
Regina Robinson moved to suppress a statement taken during custodial interrogation. The court applied the preponderance standard to admissibility at the suppression hearing while reserving the reasonable doubt standard for the jury's ultimate determination of guilt.
Yes. The Due Process Clause requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt of every fact necessary to constitute the charged offense in juvenile adjudications as well as adult criminal trials.
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The defendant must be acquitted. The presumption of innocence remains in force and no conviction may be entered when reasonable doubt exists on any element of the offense.
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No. The slayer determination in a civil proceeding uses the preponderance of the evidence standard, although a final criminal conviction for intentional killing conclusively establishes slayer status.
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No. The prosecution need only prove the voluntariness of a confession by a preponderance of the evidence at a suppression hearing. The reasonable doubt standard applies only to the jury's determination of guilt.
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…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…