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beyond reasonable doubt
/bɪˈjɒnd rɪˈzəʊnəbəl daʊt/
absolute certainty
The jury found the defendant guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
The evidence was so strong that no reasonable person could doubt the defendant's guilt.
Law
formal
A legal standard of proof requiring that the evidence presented in court must be so strong that there is no reasonable doubt about the defendant's guilt.
The prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The legal system requires that the evidence must be convincing enough to leave no reasonable doubt about the defendant's guilt.
In criminal cases, the burden of proof is beyond reasonable doubt.
The standard of proof in criminal trials is higher than in civil cases, requiring absolute certainty.
This standard is used in criminal trials to ensure that innocent people are not convicted based on weak or circumstantial evidence.
Collocations
prove beyond reasonable doubtto establish guilt with overwhelming evidencebeyond a reasonable doubta slightly less formal variation of the phrase
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Legal Context
This phrase is specific to legal proceedings and is not used in casual conversation.
Burden of Proof
The burden of proof lies with the prosecution to meet this standard in criminal cases.
Gold Rule
Legal Standard
In criminal trials, the prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt beyond reasonable doubt to secure a conviction.
Word Origin
The phrase originates from English common law and has been a fundamental principle in criminal justice systems, particularly in countries following the Anglo-American legal tradition.
Usage Notes
This phrase is primarily used in legal contexts, especially in criminal trials. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation outside of legal discussions.
Word Breakdown
beyond
to a degree that surpasses
prepositionreasonable
fair, logical, or sensible
adjectivedoubt
uncertainty or lack of conviction
nounEnglish Dictionary