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Reasonable doubt is crucial because it protects the innocent. It keeps the justice system fair, ensuring that no one is convicted without a solid, convincing case. If there's a shadow of doubt, a person shouldn't be punished.
If the prosecution fails to meet the burden of proof, the defendant should be found not guilty. It’s like a game—if they don't score the points needed, the other side wins.
No, if a jury has any reasonable doubt about the defendant's guilt, they must return a verdict of not guilty. It's like saying, 'If you're not sure, it's best to err on the side of caution.'
The presumption of innocence protects the accused by ensuring that they aren't treated as guilty until there's solid proof. It levels the playing field so that a person can't be unfairly convicted without strong evidence.
Reasonable doubt is a legal standard that means if there's any reasonable uncertainty about the defendant's guilt, then they should be found not guilty. If it makes you stop and think, that's reasonable doubt.
In a criminal trial, the burden of proof falls on the prosecution. They have to show the evidence that proves the accused is guilty. It's on them to make their case, not on the defendant to prove they didn’t do it.
In Austin, like everywhere in the U.S., the presumption of innocence means that when someone is accused of a crime, they're assumed innocent until proven guilty. It's like saying everyone deserves a fair shake before being judged.