Beyond Reasonable Doubt
San Diego Defense Attorneys Explain
Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Beyond Reasonable Doubt is California’s highest standard of proof. It applies in criminal cases at the trial level. It traces its history to English Common Law and has been a part of California’s Criminal Law since the enactment of the Penal Code in 1872.
The term ‘Reasonable Doubt’ is defined under PC § 1096 as the “state of the case” that in “the minds of jurors … they cannot say they feel an abiding conviction of the truth of the charge.”
Proof Beyond Reasonable Defined by PC § 1096
“It is not a mere possible doubt; because everything relating to human affairs is open to some possible or imaginary doubt. It is that state of the case, which, after the entire comparison and consideration of all the evidence, leaves the minds of jurors in that condition that they cannot say they feel an abiding conviction of the truth of the charge.”
Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt Defined by Jury Instruction
“Proof beyond a reasonable doubt is proof that leaves you with an abiding conviction that the charge is true. The evidence needs not eliminate all possible doubt because everything in life is open to some possible or imaginary doubt.”
Why Our Firm?
On all criminal cases we offer a Free initial consultation. This is your chance to gain candid advice on potential outcomes and implications of your criminal charge. You will meet with our attorneys, go over the facts of your case, relevant law and San Diego procedures. You will leave with a checklist of items we feel will take your case to a successful outcome.
