UT · jury_instructions
MUJI 2d CR103
Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt.
The prosecution has the burden of proving the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Some of you may have served as jurors in civil cases, where you were told that it is only necessary to prove that a fact is more likely true than not true. In criminal cases, the prosecution's proof must be more powerful than that. It must be beyond a reasonable doubt. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt is proof that leaves you firmly convinced of the defendant's guilt. There are very few things in this world that we know with absolute certainty, and in criminal cases the law does not require proof that overcomes every possible doubt. If, based on your consideration of the evidence, you are firmly convinced that the defendant is guilty of the crime charged, you must find (him) (her) guilty. If, on the other hand, you think there is a real possibility that (he) (she) is not guilty, you must give (him) (her) the benefit of the doubt and find (him) (her) not guilty.
Provenance
- Source
- legacy.utcourts.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-08-22
- Edition
- 2026-08-21
- Content hash
0b5dbd6751999da82eb501458bb17e65c182ab1742ef52d3d9698da2ade09084
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