A1 noun Formal

reasonable doubt

/ˈriːznəbl daʊt/

A legal standard that means a jury must be very sure a person is guilty of a crime. If there is a logical reason to think the person might be innocent, the jury has a reasonable doubt.

Ejemplos

3 de 5
1

I have a reasonable doubt about his story because he changed it twice.

I have a logical reason to not believe his story because he changed it twice.

2

The jury must find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The group of people must decide the person is guilty only if they are completely sure.

3

There is some reasonable doubt that he actually did it.

There is a fair reason to think he did not do it.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivo
doubt
Verb
doubt
Adverbio
reasonably
Adjetivo
reasonable
Relacionado
reasonableness
💡

Truco para recordar

Think of a balance scale: if the 'innocent' side has even one small logical 'weight' of doubt, the person cannot be found guilty.

Quiz rápido

The lawyer tried to show that there was a ____ doubt about who stole the money.

¡Correcto!

La respuesta correcta es: reasonable

Ejemplos

1

I have a reasonable doubt about his story because he changed it twice.

everyday

I have a logical reason to not believe his story because he changed it twice.

2

The jury must find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

formal

The group of people must decide the person is guilty only if they are completely sure.

3

There is some reasonable doubt that he actually did it.

informal

There is a fair reason to think he did not do it.

4

The burden of proof requires evidence that removes any reasonable doubt.

academic

The law says we need proof that takes away any logical uncertainty.

5

Management has reasonable doubt regarding the success of the new project.

business

The bosses have logical reasons to be unsure if the new project will work.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivo
doubt
Verb
doubt
Adverbio
reasonably
Adjetivo
reasonable
Relacionado
reasonableness

Colocaciones comunes

beyond a reasonable doubt being completely sure of something in a legal way
benefit of the doubt deciding to believe someone even if you are not sure
shadow of a doubt even the smallest amount of uncertainty
create reasonable doubt to make people feel unsure about a fact
lack of reasonable doubt being sure enough to make a decision

Frases Comunes

beyond a reasonable doubt

totally certain based on the facts

give the benefit of the doubt

to believe someone because you cannot prove they are lying

not a shadow of a doubt

completely and 100% certain

Se confunde a menudo con

reasonable doubt vs probable cause

Probable cause is enough suspicion to start an investigation, while reasonable doubt is the standard used to end a trial.

📝

Notas de uso

This term is almost always used in the context of criminal law. It is the highest standard of proof required in a court.

⚠️

Errores comunes

Learners often say 'beyond the reasonable doubt' instead of 'beyond a reasonable doubt'.

💡

Truco para recordar

Think of a balance scale: if the 'innocent' side has even one small logical 'weight' of doubt, the person cannot be found guilty.

📖

Origen de la palabra

From 'reasonable' (logical/fair) and 'doubt' (from Latin 'dubitare', meaning to waver or hesitate).

Patrones gramaticales

Usually used with the preposition 'beyond' Used as a singular countable noun phrase Often follows the verb 'exist' or 'have'
🌍

Contexto cultural

In many Western legal systems, 'reasonable doubt' is the core principle that protects people from being wrongly sent to prison.

Quiz rápido

The lawyer tried to show that there was a ____ doubt about who stole the money.

¡Correcto!

La respuesta correcta es: reasonable

Más palabras de law

justice

A1

Justice is the quality of being fair and reasonable in how people are treated. It also refers to the legal system and the way laws are used to punish people who do wrong.

verdict

A1

A verdict is the official decision made by a jury or judge in a court of law about whether someone is guilty or not guilty. It is also used to describe a person's final opinion or judgment about something after testing or considering it.

trial

A1

A formal process in a court of law to decide if someone is guilty of a crime. It involves a judge, and sometimes a jury, who listen to evidence and witnesses.

hearing

A1

In a legal context, a hearing is a formal meeting where a judge or official listens to facts and arguments about a specific issue. It is typically shorter and less formal than a full trial but follows strict legal rules.

litigation

A1

Litigation is the process of using a court of law to solve a legal disagreement. It involves a judge or jury making a final decision about a dispute between people or companies.

testimony

A1

A formal statement given by a witness in a court of law or a public meeting. It is also used to describe something that serves as clear proof that a fact is true.

witness

A1

A witness is a person who sees an event, such as a crime or an accident, take place. In a legal context, this person provides information or evidence in a court about what they observed.

crime

A1

A crime is an action that is against the law and is punishable by the government. It refers to illegal activities like stealing or hurting someone.

criminal

A1

A person who has committed a crime or done something illegal. This word describes someone who breaks the law and may be punished by the police or a court.

felony

A1

A felony is a very serious crime, such as murder or armed robbery. In legal systems, it is a crime that is punished more severely than a minor offense, often resulting in more than one year in prison.

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