What does proof beyond a reasonable doubt mean?
“Persons are presumed to be innocent and no person may be convicted of an offense unless each element of the offense is proved beyond a reasonable doubt. The fact that he has been arrested, confined, or indicted for, or otherwise charged with, the offense gives rise to no inference of guilt at his trial.” (Texas Penal Code ยง 2.01). There is no exact way to determine beyond a reasonable doubt. However, in comparing it to civil standards of proof like “preponderance” and “clear and convincing” we can get a general idea of what beyond a reasonable doubt means. Preponderance of the evidence would mean greater than 50%, while clear and convincing evidence would likely mean 75% or higher. Beyond a reasonable doubt would probably be quantified as approximately 99%. So, the state would have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt to the jury all elements of the crime for which the defendant is charged and the jury would have to find that the state meet that 99% burden for each element of the crime
