What Does it Mean to Prove My Guilt Beyond A Reasonable Doubt?
Good news: the onus (responsibility) is not on you! Who then carries this responsibility?
In South African criminal law, the State has the burden of proving an accused person’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This means that the State must present evidence that is strong enough to remove any doubts about the accused’s guilt. This is a high standard of proof. In contrast, in civil law, the standard of proof is much lower. The plaintiff in a civil case only has to prove their case on a balance of probabilities, which means that it is more likely than not that their version of events is true.
To meet the standard of proof of beyond a reasonable doubt, the State must present evidence that is credible, reliable, and trustworthy. The State must prove all the elements of the crime. If the State fails to do so, the accused must be acquitted. The accused need not say anything at all, the burden is on the State.
Suppose that the State accuses a person of murder. To prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the State must present evidence that establishes, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the accused person was the one who committed the murder. This might include forensic evidence, such as DNA or fingerprints, eyewitness testimony, or other physical evidence.
The reason why the standard of proof is so high in criminal law is that a conviction in a criminal case can result in the loss of an accused’s freedom. Therefore, the law recognizes that it is better to let a guilty person go free than to convict an innocent person. This principle is enshrined in the Constitution of South Africa, which provides that everyone has the right to a fair trial, which includes the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
A criminal conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence, whereas a civil judgment usually only results in a monetary award. Therefore, in a criminal case, the State has to prove a person’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
