What is beyond a reasonable doubt in a criminal case?

Beyond a reasonable doubt is the legal burden of proof required to affirm a conviction in a criminal case. In a criminal case, the prosecution bears the burden of proving that the defendant is guilty beyond all reasonable doubt.

What does it mean if there is no doubt in a case?

It does not mean that no doubt exists as to the accused’s guilt, but only that no reasonable doubt is possible from the evidence presented. Beyond a reasonable doubt is the highest standard of proof that must be met in any trial.

Is a reasonable doubt based on reason?

Some judges tell a jury that a reasonable doubt is “a doubt based on reason.” 19 This elaboration has three defects. First, it runs counter to the idea that a juror should be entitled to vote “not guilty” based only on a gut feeling, without an articulable rationale. 20