What is the standard of proof in a criminal case?

• A. Preponderance of the evidence.
• B. Clear and convincing evidence.
• C. Guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
• D. Probable cause.

Answer: (C)

In criminal cases the standard of proof is guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This high bar exists to protect individual liberty, since a conviction carries serious consequences. The jury must be firmly convinced of the defendant’s guilt after weighing all credible evidence presented by the prosecution; if any reasonable doubt remains about guilt, the proper verdict is not guilty.

Other standards apply in different contexts: preponderance of the evidence is the tipping-of-the-scales standard used in most civil cases; clear and convincing evidence is a higher civil standard used in certain civil disputes or special procedures; and probable cause is a threshold used to justify arrest or a search, not to determine guilt at trial.