For instance, in a civil case, the standard of proof is a "preponderance of the evidence," which means it is more than 50% likely that the claims are true. It is the highest burden of proof in a legal matter. That does not necessarily mean that all doubt is erased, but no other reasonable explanation exists based on the proof provided. Establishing that the defendant was falsely accusedīeyond a reasonable doubt means that the evidence is such that the trier of fact can conclude with virtual certainty that the defendant committed the alleged offense.Showing that the defendant acted in self-defense or defense of others.Demonstrating that the defendant had an alibi.Highlighting discrepancies in statements.Exposing procedural errors during the arrest and/or investigation process.The defendant (or their criminal defense lawyer) works to cast doubt on the prosecution's arguments.īy casting doubt, the defense attorney challenges the prosecutor's evidence by showing that some other reasonable explanation exists.Ī lawyer can cast doubt in several ways, including, but not limited to: In other words, the prosecutor is the one who must convince the trier of fact that a criminal offense has occurred.Īlthough the defendant has a chance to tell their side of the story, they are not necessarily proving that they are innocent (remember, in the American criminal justice system, those accused of crimes are presumed innocent). Where Does the Burden of Proof Lie?įor criminal cases, the burden of proof lies with the State. This blog will discuss what that means for both the defendant and the prosecutor. The standard of proof in a criminal case is beyond a reasonable doubt. The prosecutor's support is the "proofs," and they must meet a specific standard to establish that the claim of an alleged violation is true. To pursue criminal penalties, the State (or a prosecutor working on the State's behalf) must back up its claim with evidence or logic that the trier of fact (a judge or jury) can base its decision on. Just because the State is arguing that an offense happened does not necessarily mean that it did. But simply making that claim is not enough for the State to penalize the defendant for the alleged violation. In a criminal matter, the State is claiming that a defendant broke the law.
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