DOUBT
To question or hold questionable. Uncertainty of
mind; the absence of a settled opinion or conviction;
the attitude of mind toward the acceptance of
or belief in a proposition, theory, or statement, in
which the judgment is not at rest but inclines
alternately to either side.
Proof BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT is not
beyond all possible or imaginary doubt, but
such proof as precludes every reasonable
hypothesis except that which it tends to support.
It is proof to a moral certainty, that is, such proof
as satisfies the judgment and consciences of the
jury, as reasonable people and applying their
reason to the evidence before them, that the
crime charged has been committed by the
defendant, and so satisfies them as to leave no
other reasonable conclusion possible.
A REASONABLE DOUBT is such a doubt as
would cause a reasonable and prudent person in
the graver and more important affairs of life to pause and hesitate to act upon the truth of the
matter charged. It does not mean a mere possible
doubt, because everything relating to human
affairs, and depending on moral evidence, is
open to some possible or imaginary doubt.
