In a criminal case, what is the jury's standard for finding a defendant guilty?

In criminal cases, the jury's standard for finding a defendant guilty is "beyond a reasonable doubt." This standard requires that the jury is firmly convinced of the defendant's guilt based on the evidence presented during the trial. It is the highest standard of proof used in legal proceedings and reflects the serious consequences of a guilty verdict, which can include imprisonment or other significant penalties.

The rationale behind this high standard is to protect individuals from wrongful convictions, given that a finding of guilt can lead to severe consequences, including loss of liberty. Therefore, jurors must feel a high degree of certainty about the defendant's guilt before delivering a verdict.

Other standards, such as "clear and convincing evidence" or "a preponderance of the evidence," are typically used in civil cases rather than criminal cases. The "preponderance of the evidence" standard, for instance, means that it is more likely than not that something is true, which is a much lower threshold than "beyond a reasonable doubt." The distinction in standards underscores the difference in the stakes involved between civil and criminal trials.