Beyond reasonable doubt

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The criminal standard of proof under English law:

“formerly described as “beyond reasonable doubt”. That standard remains, and the words commonly used, though the Judicial Studies Board guidance is that juries might be assisted by being told that to convict they must be persuaded “so that you are sure”

—Legal Studies Board guidance

“Are you trying to say you can’t convict anyone without direct evidence?”

Circumstantial evidence] as “information that changes the prior probability.”

“No, but I am saying it should be a lot harder, because without direct evidence you are dependent on probabilities.”

See also

• Miscarriages of justice

References

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