What is the difference between probable cause and reasonable doubt?
Probable cause is the constitutional standard police must follow before they can make a lawful arrest. Beyond a reasonable doubt is the standard of proof required for convicting a criminal defendant.SignificanceA jury can convict a criminal defendant only if it finds that all of the evidence introduced at trial indicates that he is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.Reasonable Doubt StandardFor purposes of conviction, the reasonable doubt standard does not mean that a jury may not entertain doubts but only that the doubt would not affect a reasonable person’s belief that the defendant is guilty. In a civil case, a jury may issue a judgment for a plaintiff if it finds that he has proven his case by a preponderance of the evidence. This is a less rigorous standard of proof than reasonable doubt.Civil Trial StandardIn a civil case, a jury may issue a judgment for a plaintiff if it finds that he has proven his case by a preponderance of the evidence. This is a less rigorous standard of proof
