What is the standard of proof in criminal cases in Queensland?

The standard of proof in criminal cases in Queensland is "beyond a reasonable doubt." This standard is fundamental to the criminal justice system and reflects the principle that it is better for an innocent person to be acquitted than for a guilty person to be wrongfully convicted. This high burden of proof ensures that there is a significant level of certainty regarding the defendant's guilt before a conviction can be made.

In practice, this means that the prosecution must present sufficient evidence that leaves no reasonable doubt in the mind of a rational juror regarding the defendant's guilt. This standard is designed to protect individuals from potential injustices that could arise from a lower threshold of proof, such as merely being more likely than not guilty.

Other standards of proof, such as "on the balance of probabilities," apply in civil cases, where the obligation is to show that something is more likely true than not (which is a considerably lower threshold compared to criminal cases). Similarly, the "preponderance of evidence" standard is also associated with civil matters and indicates that one side's evidence is more convincing than the other's. "Clear and convincing evidence" is another standard often used in specific legal contexts, but it also does not rise to the level of "beyond a reasonable doubt,"