Beyond Reasonable Doubt

[Michael Shanlian Ph.D.]

An important strategy utilized  by defense attorneys is to plant a seed of doubt into the minds of the jury questioning the guilt of the person on trial. This was played out recently in a high profile case of a mother accused of killing her daughter. The job of the prosecutor is to present evidence proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Many today are confused by what evidence rises to the level of reasonable doubt. Here is the official definition of reasonable doubt.

The level of certainty a juror must have to find a defendant guilty of a crime. A real doubt, based upon reason and common sense after careful and impartial consideration of all the evidence, or lack of evidence, in a case.

Proof beyond a reasonable doubt, therefore, is proof of such a convincing character that you would be willing to rely and act upon it without hesitation in the most important of your own affairs. However, it does not mean an absolute certainty. Notice the last line; proof beyond a reasonable doubt does not mean absolute certainty!

What concerns me is some jurists have an elevated reasonable doubt to absolutely no doubt! The KC Anthony trial had so many parallels with the O.J. Simpson case. The character and actions of both defendants screamed guilty. Yet both walked out of the courtroom free as a bird. In both trials there were volumes of circumstantial evidence demanding a verdict of guilty. But some jurists will not convict unless the standard is absolute certainty.

The apostle Peter reminded the persecuted first century church, “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” 2 Peter 1:16.

Peter states our faith is not a made up fairy tale. Peter and many others were eye witnesses to the events surrounding the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, we were not eyewitnesses to those events. Can twenty-first century seekers of truth trust the truth claims of Peter and his contemporaries beyond a reasonable doubt?

The historical and prophetical records including the creation account provide a convincing argument for the reliability of the truth claims of Scripture. Does reading the Bible remove all uncertainty? Absolutely not! No philosophy, religion, theology or scientific theory can produce absolute certainty. The standard of proof remains beyond reasonable doubt. That being the case, my money is on the Bible!

 

[Dr. Henry, President of the AOCI]

Dr. Shanlain, this is a very true and powerful article.  Someone said that there is a difference between "Justice" and the "Law".  I agree with you about this case. There was enough circumstancial evidence to convict her.  She might have gotten away in this life, but she will have to face God's court room some day!  God is a God of Pure "Justice".  The beautiful thing is that the Bible is proven without a shadow of a doubt and I will also bet my life on it!  Amen.