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ABA Division for Public Education

Criminal Law

Basics of Criminal Law

What is the standard of proof in a criminal case?

The defendant does not have to prove anything. The government has to prove the defendant guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt.” This is a far higher standard than “the preponderance of the evidence” or “clear and convincing evidence,” the standards often used in civil cases.

>>How do civil and criminal law differ?
>>What is a citation?
>>What distinguishes a misdemeanor from a felony?
>>What is the standard of proof in a criminal case?


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