The standard of proof reasonable doubt is recognized as a constitutional requirement after In re Winship. Although the standard does not appear within the text of the Constitution, the Supreme Court has found that the due process guarantees of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments "protect the accused against conviction except upon proof beyond a reasonable doubt of every fact necessary to constitute the crime with which he is charged."
Specifically, it provides that in a criminal case, the defendant is to be given the benefit of a reasonable doubt, that is, if such a doubt exists. Under this doctrine, if in the opinion of the trier of the facts, the proof offered as to the guilt of the defendant is also susceptible of a finding of innocence,
Specifically, it provides that in a criminal case, the defendant is to be given the benefit of a reasonable doubt, that is, if such a doubt exists. Under this doctrine, if in the opinion of the trier of the facts, the proof offered as to the guilt of the defendant is also susceptible of a finding of innocence,