Legal Dictionary
Main Entry:
reasonable doubtFunction:
noun : a doubt esp. about the guilt of a criminal defendant that arises or remains upon fair and thorough consideration of the evidence or lack thereof
reasonable doubt —Texas Penal Code> —see also STANDARD OF PROOF —compare CLEAR AND CONVINCING, PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE
NOTE: Proof of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt is required for conviction of a criminal defendant. A reasonable doubt exists when a factfinder cannot say with moral certainty that a person is guilty or a particular fact exists. It must be more than an imaginary doubt, and it is often defined judicially as such doubt as would cause a reasonable person to hesitate before acting in a matter of importance.
