Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
The highest standard of proof in the legal system, used in criminal cases. The prosecution must prove each element of the crime to a moral certainty.
Encyclopedia entry: Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
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beyond a reasonable doubt
Beyond a reasonable doubt is the legal burden of proof required for a criminal conviction . In a criminal case , the prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, meaning the evidence must leave jurors firmly convinced of the defendant’s guilt. The standard requires more certainty than any other burden of proof in law. It is much higher than the civil standard of preponderance of the evidence , which only requires that a claim be more likely true than not.
See also: Patterson v. New York, 432 U.S. 197 (1977) , Mullaney v. Wilbur, 421 U.S. 684 (1975)
[Last reviewed in August of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.