Legal Definitions - Reasonable doubt

Definition: Reasonable doubt is when jurors have enough doubt about a defendant's guilt based on a lack of evidence. This doubt must be reasonable and not just a feeling or suspicion.

Example: In a murder trial, the prosecution presents evidence that the defendant was at the scene of the crime and had a motive to kill the victim. However, there is no physical evidence linking the defendant to the murder weapon or the victim's body. The defense argues that there is reasonable doubt about the defendant's guilt because there is no direct evidence connecting them to the crime.

Explanation: This example illustrates how reasonable doubt can be used in a criminal trial. Jurors must consider all the evidence presented and determine if there is enough proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. In this case, the lack of physical evidence linking the defendant to the crime creates doubt about their guilt, which could lead to an acquittal.