adj. part of jury instructions in all criminal trials, in which the jurors are told
that they can only find the defendant guilty if they are convinced "beyond a reason-
able doubt" of his or her guilt. Sometimes referred to as "to a moral certainty,"
the phrase is fraught with uncertainty as to meaning, but try "you better be damned
sure. " By comparison it is meant to be a tougher standard than "preponderance of
the evidence," used as a test to give judgment to a plaintiff in a civil (non-criminal)
case.
See also conviction moral certainty reasonable doubt
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