Ontario Private Investigator Practice Exam

What is the standard of proof required in a criminal trial?

1. Beyond a reasonable doubt

2. Preponderance of the evidence

3. Clear and convincing evidence

4. Reasonable suspicion

The correct answer is: Beyond a reasonable doubt

The standard of proof required in a criminal trial is "beyond a reasonable doubt." This means that the prosecution must prove their case to be almost certain that the defendant is guilty, leaving little to no doubt in the minds of the jurors. The other options, preponderance of the evidence, clear and convincing evidence, and reasonable suspicion, are all standards of proof used in other legal proceedings, but not criminal trials specifically. Preponderance of the evidence is used in civil cases, where the burden of proof is lower and the evidence must only show that the defendant is more likely than not responsible for the wrongdoing. Clear and convincing evidence is also used in civil cases and requires a higher level of proof than preponderance of the evidence. Reasonable suspicion is a standard used in criminal investigations, but does not hold up in a trial as it is a lower threshold of proof than beyond a reasonable doubt