reasonable doubt

Reasonable doubt is the highest burden of proof used in the U.S. legal system, and requires the prosecution to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a criminal conviction. A defendant may be found guilty only if the prosecution is able to prove each element of the accused crime beyond a reasonable doubt. A reasonable doubt is not a speculative or imaginary doubt, but a doubt based on reason and common sense arising from the evidence, or lack thereof, presented at trial. If a reasonable doubt remains after consideration of the evidence, the jury must acquit the defendant. 

[Last reviewed in May of 2026 by the Wex Definitions Team]

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