In legal contexts, reasonable doubt refers to the standard of proof required for conviction in a criminal trial. It means that the evidence presented must be sufficient to convince the jury or judge of the defendant’s guilt beyond any reasonable doubt or hesitation. This standard is higher than mere suspicion or probability and requires that any doubts about the defendant’s guilt be reasonable based on the evidence presented. If the prosecution fails to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the defendant is entitled to an acquittal. Reasonable doubt is a fundamental principle of the criminal justice system aimed at protecting the rights of the accused and ensuring that convictions are based on reliable and convincing evidence.
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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.
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