“Reasonable doubt” is a key factor in the way the U.S. Justice system operates
Although most people have heard the term “guilty beyond a reasonable doubt” in movies, many people still don’t fully understand what it means. Although “legalese” can sound intimidating sometimes, this is actually a very simple concept, and one that’s critical to the United States justice system.
Once you’ve been arrested and charged with a crime, there is a very strictly enforced series of steps that has to be taken before you can be convicted (or freed!). In felony cases, those steps start with presenting the evidence to a judge in order to determine if there is enough evidence to take the case to trial. This is called preliminary hearing or a probable cause hearing. If the judge decides the felony case can go to trial, the prosecution and defense are now charged with creating convincing arguments that will sway the jury’s opinion. (Misdemeanor charges skip this step.)
Where does “reasonable doubt” come into the justice system?
But exactly how convincing does the argument have to be? That’s where guilty beyond a reasonable doubt means. In the United States, the prosecutor bears the burden of proof. This means it’s the prosecutor’s job to prove to the jury that the defendant is guilty of the crime they’re accused of. When they present their case, they must prove the defendant’s guilt to the extent that there could be no “reasonable doubt” in the minds of the jurors.
What exactly does “reasonable doubt” mean?
This doesn’t mean that the jurors can’t have doubts. It simply means that if the jury does have doubts, they’re small enough to not affect a reasonable person’s belief that the accused is guilty. A reasonable doubt isn’t just a whim, or a possible doubt that can’t be articulated. It is a real and genuine doubt that is based on common sense.
The judge reads this definition to all criminal juries in Michigan. “A reasonable doubt is a fair, honest doubt growing out of the evidence or lack of evidence. It is not merely an imaginary doubt, but a doubt based on reason and common sense. A reasonable doubt is just that —a doubt that is reasonable, after a careful and considered examination of the facts and circumstances of this case.”
If, after careful consideration of the evidence, and reasonable discussions among themselves regarding the facts of the case, members of the jury still believe that there is doubt about the guilt of the accused, THAT would be a reasonable doubt. The existence of reasonable doubt requires a jury verdict of not guilty.
What happens when the jury has doubts about the accused’s guilt?
If the jury does have doubts that are significant enough to cause them discomfort about the guilty sentence, then they haven’t been satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt. In those cases, the jury would return a verdict of “not guilty”, which means that the accused is set free.
What role does a defense attorney play in this matter?
The role of the defense attorney is to ensure that the defendant is properly defended against accusations. This means advocating for the accused, ensuring that their rights and interests are protected, and that the law is practiced in the correct way. Without a defense attorney, someone accused of a crime is essentially a sitting duck.
At The Kronzek Firm our highly skilled defense attorneys have spent decades advocating for the people of Michigan. We aggressively defend your rights, ensure that you receive the strongest and most strategic defense, and fight to achieve the best possible outcome in your case. If you or a loved one have been accused of a crime in Michigan, call The Kronzek Firm at 866 766 5245. We are here to help you through this.