What is the burden of proof standard in a criminal case?

In a criminal case, the burden of proof standard is "guilt beyond reasonable doubt." This standard is the highest level of proof used in legal proceedings, specifically because a person’s freedom and rights are at stake.

The principle ensures that the prosecution must establish the defendant's guilt to such a level that there is no reasonable doubt in the minds of the jurors. This not only protects the rights of individuals accused of crimes but also reflects the seriousness of depriving someone of their liberty. The requirement is that the evidence presented must be so convincing that jurors are firmly convinced of the defendant's guilt, rather than merely suspecting; hence, it establishes a robust safeguard against wrongful convictions.

In contrast, other standards such as preponderance of evidence or clear and convincing evidence are used in civil cases, where the stakes are typically lower than in criminal matters, and the burden of proof is less rigorous. Probable cause is a standard used primarily during the investigative stages, such as in obtaining search warrants or making arrests, rather than in proving guilt in court.