Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Re: Reasonable Doubt

Ultimately it is whatever twelve reasonable people believe it is. The criminal jury instruction is 'beyond a reasonable doubt to an almost absolute certainty.' It is whatever the attorneys in their closing arguments can convince the jury the evidence presented at trial proves to twelve reasonable people.

Re: Reasonable Doubt

Black's Law defines reasonable doubt as the standard used to determine the guilt or innocence of a person criminally charged. Reasonable doubt is such a doubt as would cause prudent men to hesitate before acting in matters of importance to themselves. To a jury this may mean somthing different than to a judge. I suggest you consult an attorney, for the definition as to any particluar situation is difficult even for a practiced attorney.

Re: Reasonable Doubt

The exact legal definition of reasonable doubt in the state of California is too lengthy to transmit electronically. It can be found in the California Jury Instructions CALJIC 2.90 (Presumption of innocence- reasonable doubt- burden of proof)