What is the test for overturning a finding of guilty on appeal?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. White, E059488 (Cal. App. 2015):

"'The law is clear and well settled. "On appeal we review the whole record in the light most favorable to the judgment to determine whether it discloses substantial evidencethat is, evidence that is reasonable, credible, and of solid valuefrom which a reasonable trier of fact could find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. [Citations.]"'" (People v. Jones (2013) 57 Cal.4th 899, 960.) "'"In conducting such a

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review, we '"presume[] in support of the judgment the existence of every fact the trier could reasonably deduce from the evidence." [Citations.]'" (People v. Lee (2011) 51 Cal.4th 620, 632.)

"'"'Although it is the duty of the jury to acquit a defendant if it finds that circumstantial evidence is susceptible of two interpretations, one of which suggests guilt and the other innocence [citations], it is the jury, not the appellate court[,] which must be convinced of the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. "'If the circumstances reasonably justify the trier of fact's findings, the opinion of the reviewing court that the circumstances might also reasonably be reconciled with a contrary finding does not warrant a reversal of the judgment.'" [Citations.]'"'" (People v. Harris (2013) 57 Cal.4th 804, 849-850.)

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