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Reasonable Doubt: Definition, Example and Related Terms

What is Reasonable Doubt ?

Reasonable doubt is a legal standard of proof that is most commonly used in criminal cases, rather than in contract law. It refers to the level of certainty that a juror or judge must have in order to convict a defendant. In order to meet this standard, the prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt to such an extent that there remains no reasonable doubt in the mind of a reasonable person that the defendant is guilty.

To break it down, 'reasonable doubt' means that if there is any logical and justifiable uncertainty regarding the defendant's guilt after considering all the evidence presented, then the jury or judge must acquit the defendant. This is a high standard of proof because the stakes in criminal cases are very high, often involving the potential loss of liberty or even life.

In civil cases, including contract disputes, the standard of proof is typically lower and is usually 'preponderance of the evidence', which means that something is more likely to be true than not true. Therefore, reasonable doubt does not generally apply in the context of contract law. In a contract dispute, the party with the burden of proof must show that it is more likely than not that their claim is true, rather than proving it beyond a reasonable doubt.

Understanding these different standards of proof is essential for anyone involved in legal proceedings. In criminal cases, achieving the standard of 'beyond a reasonable doubt' provides a significant protection for the accused, ensuring that only when there is a very high level of certainty about guilt will a conviction be secured.

Example(s)

  • Scenario Description
    A person is on trial for theft. The prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This means that the jurors should only convict the defendant if they are firmly convinced of the defendant's guilt and there are no reasonable uncertainties in their minds about the case.
    Two companies are in a civil trials over a breach of contract. Here, the standard of proof is 'preponderance of the evidence'. The plaintiff must show that it is more likely than not that the breach of contract occurred. The reasonable doubt standard does not apply in this civil context.