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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?
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"Reasonable Doubt"
TheFallibleFiend 07/02/2008 10:58 PM ![]()
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twosleepy 07/03/2008 12:21 AM ![]()
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The Pook 07/03/2008 1:11 AM ![]()
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BranShea 07/03/2008 9:51 AM ![]()
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The Pook 07/03/2008 12:57 PM ![]()
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BranShea 07/03/2008 1:32 PM ![]()
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morphememedley 07/04/2008 4:56 AM ![]()
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TheFallibleFiend 07/04/2008 5:43 AM ![]()
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tsuwm 07/04/2008 6:16 AM ![]()
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twosleepy 07/09/2008 4:00 PM ![]()
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Faldage 07/04/2008 11:11 AM ![]()
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BranShea 07/04/2008 11:41 AM ![]()
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TheFallibleFiend 07/04/2008 4:41 PM ![]()
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Alex Williams 07/09/2008 3:26 PM ![]()
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Myridon 07/09/2008 4:03 PM ![]()
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Zed 07/09/2008 4:36 PM ![]()
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olly 07/04/2008 4:53 AM
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