What is the standard of proof required for a conviction in criminal law?

The standard of proof required for a conviction in criminal law is "beyond a reasonable doubt." This standard is the highest level of proof used in legal proceedings, particularly in criminal cases, and it emphasizes the necessity for jurors or judges to be highly confident in the guilt of the defendant before rendering a guilty verdict.

When a jury is instructed on this standard, they must consider whether there is no plausible reason to believe that the defendant is innocent. This requirement helps to protect individuals from wrongful convictions because it requires a significant level of certainty regarding the defendant's guilt. In essence, if a juror has any reasonable doubts about the evidence presented or the guilt of the accused, they are obligated to vote for acquittal.

Other standards of proof, such as "preponderance of evidence" and "clear and convincing evidence," are used in civil cases or certain special proceedings, but they do not apply in the context of criminal convictions. "Reasonable suspicion" is a much lower standard used primarily to justify stops and searches by law enforcement, and it is not applicable in the context of establishing guilt in a criminal trial.