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Originally Posted By: TheFallibleFiendIn criminal cases in my state, a defendant is presumed innocent until the prosecutor can prove his guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt." However, the term "reasonable doubt" is not defined, presumably being left to the discretion of the individual jurors.
I found this at The 'Lectric Law Library's Lexicon
REASONABLE DOUBT - The level of certainty a juror must have to find a defendant guilty of a crime. A real doubt, based upon reason and common sense after careful and impartial consideration of all the evidence, or lack of evidence, in a case.
Proof beyond a reasonable doubt, therefore, is proof of such a convincing character that you would be willing to rely and act upon it without hesitation in the most important of your own affairs. However, it does not mean an absolute certainty.
I reckon you're right. The line between common sense and moral certainty seems rather vague. Any doubt whatsoever in ones mind, even doubting yourself, can be reasonable doubt, can't it? Seems reasonable. I think?
Entire Thread Subject Posted By Posted "Reasonable Doubt" TheFallibleFiend 07/02/08 10:58 PM Re: "Reasonable Doubt" twosleepy 07/03/08 12:21 AM Re: "Reasonable Doubt" The Pook 07/03/08 01:11 AM Re: "Reasonable Doubt" BranShea 07/03/08 09:51 AM Re: "Reasonable Doubt" The Pook 07/03/08 12:57 PM Re: "Reasonable Doubt" BranShea 07/03/08 01:32 PM Re: "Reasonable Doubt" morphememedley 07/04/08 04:56 AM Re: "Reasonable Doubt" TheFallibleFiend 07/04/08 05:43 AM Re: "Reasonable Doubt" tsuwm 07/04/08 06:16 AM Re: "Reasonable Doubt" twosleepy 07/09/08 04:00 PM Re: "Reasonable Doubt" Faldage 07/04/08 11:11 AM Re: "Reasonable Doubt" BranShea 07/04/08 11:41 AM Re: "Reasonable Doubt" TheFallibleFiend 07/04/08 04:41 PM Re: "Reasonable Doubt" Alex Williams 07/09/08 03:26 PM Re: "Reasonable Doubt" Myridon 07/09/08 04:03 PM Re: "Reasonable Doubt" Zed 07/09/08 04:36 PM Re: "Reasonable Doubt" olly 07/04/08 04:53 AM
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