In Oklahoma criminal cases, the law places the highest burden of proof on the prosecution: beyond a reasonable doubt. This standard protects individuals from wrongful convictions and reflects a core principle of justice—that it is better for a guilty person to go free than to punish an innocent one.
What Does “Beyond a Reasonable Doubt” Mean?
This standard doesn’t require absolute certainty, but it demands that jurors feel highly confident in the defendant’s guilt. Jurors must believe, after carefully weighing the evidence, that no reasonable doubt remains. Under the Oklahoma Uniform Jury Instructions, a reasonable doubt is one based on reason and common sense after considering all the evidence impartially.
During a criminal trial, the prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense doesn’t have to prove innocence. Instead, the defense may challenge the prosecution’s case, highlight inconsistencies, or offer alternative explanations for specific details of the case.
Before the jury begins deliberations, the judge instructs them on the burden of proof. If even one juror has a reasonable doubt about the defendant’s guilt, the jury must acquit. This strict standard helps prevent unjust convictions and ensures the prosecution has presented a thorough, convincing case before someone loses their liberty.
Criminal vs. Civil Standards of Proof
Criminal trials require proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Civil cases, by contrast, use a lower threshold known as “preponderance of the evidence.” In a civil trial, the party bringing the claim must show that their version of the facts is more likely than not—a much lower bar than what criminal prosecutors face.
Tulsa Criminal Lawyers Law Firm
If you’re charged with a crime in Oklahoma, you need to understand how this burden of proof works. A knowledgeable defense attorney will hold the prosecution to this high standard, ensuring that jurors hear not just evidence—but the absence of certainty. Call our team at Tulsa Criminal Lawyers Law Firm at (918) 416-0358 or contact us online for a consultation.