How do I Explain Reasonable Doubt?
- 1). Describe how proving a defendant's guilt beyond reasonable doubt can be achieved. This is by presenting evidence which illustrates that no other reasonable explanation can be derived from the facts except that the defendant carried out the crime.
- 2). Explain that the concept of reasonable doubt is in order to protect the idea of "innocent until proven guilty." This is a basic presumption in American law, and by proving someone committed a crime beyond reasonable doubt, you overcome the presumption that a person is innocent until proven guilty.
- 3). Emphasize that beyond reasonable doubt is the highest burden of proof in American law. It is used for criminal trials in which the punishment is usually very severe. When a defendant is facing a long jail time or even death, the prosecution must provide clear, obvious evidence that the person is guilty.
- 4). Clarify that reasonable doubt does not necessarily mean that no doubt exists, but it does mean that no reasonable doubt is possible from the evidence presented and the defendant is logically guilty.
