![]() ![]() They want to highlight other possible explanations. Instead, they want to poke holes in the prosecution’s argument. Therefore, the defense does not necessarily have to prove the defendant’s innocence. Then, they want to show that the only reasonable explanation for what happened is that the defendant committed the crime. Instead, they first want to review what happened in the crime. Second, what does this mean for your case? It means that the prosecution does not necessarily need to positively prove the defendant committed the crime. Applying the Definition of Guilty Beyond a Reasonable Doubt Even if those possible explanations seem improbable. Other possible explanations for the crime exist that do not involve the defendant. In a criminal case, even if the accused seems “most likely guilty,” they should not be convicted. Definition of Guilty Beyond a Reasonable Doubtįirst, let’s define this phrase, “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Cornell Law School describes the idea this way: “the prosecution must convince the jury that there is no other reasonable explanation that can come from the evidence presented at trial.” Think of it in terms of a spectrum: ![]() Yet, at what point is guilt proven? Is it legal to convict someone of a crime if the court thinks they probably or likely did it? We’ll discuss all this and more as we give you the definition of guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. ![]() Thus, if someone accuses you of robbery, you’re considered innocent of robbery until the evidence proves your guilt. However, it’s necessary in this case to show the connection between this idea and “ innocent until proven guilty.” If you recall from last week, this phrase means that the court needs to assume the innocence of the accused until the facts prove their guilt. We’ve discussed what “beyond a reasonable doubt” means several times before, here and here. ![]()
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