What standard of proof must be met in criminal law?

In criminal law, the standard of proof required is "beyond reasonable doubt." This is the highest standard of proof used in legal proceedings and reflects the necessity of ensuring that a defendant is adequately protected against wrongful conviction. It indicates that the evidence presented must be so convincing that there is no reasonable doubt as to the defendant’s guilt when examined by a reasonable person.

This high standard is fundamental because it emphasizes the principle that it is better for a guilty person to go free than for an innocent person to be wrongly convicted. The implication of this standard is that the prosecution has the responsibility to present a compelling case that leaves the jury or judge firmly convinced of the defendant's guilt.

In contrast, the other standards mentioned serve different contexts. "On the balance of probabilities" and "preponderance of evidence" are typically applied in civil cases, where the focus is on which party is more likely to be correct. "Clear and convincing evidence" is also a heightened standard used primarily in certain civil cases or specific legal contexts (like some family law matters) but remains lower than "beyond reasonable doubt." The application of these different standards underscores the varying degrees of certainty required based on the seriousness of the legal issue at hand.