What is the test for reasonable doubt in a criminal case?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Monroy, G052279 (Cal. App. 2017):

Jurors are presumed to be intelligent and capable of understanding instructions and applying them to the facts of the case. (People v. Lewis (2001) 26 Cal.4th 334, 390.) Here the jury was given CALCRIM No. 220 on reasonable doubt orally and in writing. The instruction reads, "The fact that a criminal charge has been filed against the defendant is not evidence that the charge is true. You must not be biased against the defendant just because he has been arrested, charged with a crime, or brought to trial. [] A defendant in a criminal case is presumed to be innocent. This presumption requires that the People prove a defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Whenever I tell you the People must prove something, I mean they must prove it beyond a reasonable doubt. [] Proof beyond a reasonable doubt is proof that leaves you with an abiding conviction that the charge is true. The evidence need not eliminate all possible doubt because everything in life is open to some possible or imaginary doubt. [] In deciding whether the People have proved their case beyond a reasonable doubt, you must impartially compare and consider all the evidence that was received throughout the entire trial. Unless the evidence proves the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, he is entitled to an acquittal and you must find him not guilty."

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