What is the level of proof required for criminal prosecutions?

The level of proof required for criminal prosecutions is proof beyond a reasonable doubt. This standard is essential because it reflects the gravity of a criminal conviction, which can lead to significant penalties, including loss of liberty. It prioritizes the protection of individuals against wrongful convictions, ensuring that the evidence presented is so compelling that there is no reasonable alternative explanation which could lead a juror to doubt the defendant’s guilt.

In criminal law, this high standard differs from civil cases, where the requirement is typically a preponderance of the evidence—meaning that one side's evidence must be more convincing than the other's. Additionally, clear and convincing evidence is a standard used for certain civil matters where the stakes are higher than a preponderance but do not reach the rigorous threshold of beyond a reasonable doubt. Reasonable suspicion is a lower standard used in criminal procedures for stops and detentions but does not apply to the level of proof needed for criminal trials.