What is the test for sufficiency of the evidence in a sexual assault case?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Torres, D075060 (Cal. App. 2020):

In a sufficiency of the evidence challenge, " ' " 'we review the entire record in the light most favorable to the judgment to determine whether it contains 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.' [Citation.]" [Citation.] In conducting such a review, we " 'presume[] in support of the judgment the existence of every fact the trier could reasonably deduce from the evidence.' [Citation.]" [Citations.] "Conflicts and even testimony which is subject to justifiable suspicion do not justify the reversal of a judgment, for it is the exclusive province of the trial judge or jury to determine the credibility of a witness and the truth or falsity of the facts upon which a determination depends. [Citation.] We resolve neither credibility issues nor evidentiary conflicts; we look for substantial evidence." [Citation.] These same principles apply to review of the sufficiency of the evidence to support a special circumstance finding.' " (People v. Harris (2013) 57 Cal.4th 804, 849.)

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