beyond reasonable doubt

the standard of proof required in a criminal trial. To convict a defendant, a jury must be convinced of the defendant’s guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt,” meaning there is no justifiable, rational cause for jury members to doubt the defendant’s guilt. This standard is considered to be equivalent to a moral certainty but is less than an absolute certainty.

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Psychology term of the day

November 27th 2024

delusion of persecution

the false conviction that others are threatening or conspiring against one. Also called persecutory delusion.