What standard is used to determine the guilt or innocence of a person criminally charged?

The standard used to determine guilt or innocence in criminal cases is "beyond a reasonable doubt." This standard is the highest burden of proof in the legal system and places the responsibility on the prosecution to establish the defendant's guilt to such an extent that no reasonable person would question it. This is essential in criminal law, as a person's liberty is at stake. The principle ensures that the chances of convicting an innocent person are minimized, safeguarding the rights of the accused.

In contrast, "preponderance of evidence" is the standard used in civil cases, where the evidence must show that something is more likely true than not. "Probable cause" refers to the standard required for law enforcement to make an arrest or conduct searches but does not determine guilt or innocence. "Clear and convincing evidence" is a standard used in certain civil cases and is a higher burden than preponderance of evidence but lower than beyond a reasonable doubt. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for anyone studying law enforcement and criminal justice.