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Simple English definitions for legal terms

rational doubt

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A quick definition of rational doubt:

Term: Rational Doubt

Definition: Rational doubt, also known as reasonable doubt, is the belief that there is a real possibility that a defendant is not guilty. It is the doubt that prevents one from being firmly convinced of a defendant's guilt. When a jury is deciding whether a criminal defendant is guilty, they must use the standard of "beyond a reasonable doubt." This means that they must begin with the presumption that the defendant is innocent and only find them guilty if they are convinced to a moral certainty of the truth of the charge. Rational doubt is not a mere possible doubt, but a doubt that remains even after the entire comparison and consideration of all the evidence.

A more thorough explanation:

Rational doubt, also known as reasonable doubt, is the belief that there is a real possibility that a defendant is not guilty. It is the doubt that prevents one from being firmly convinced of a defendant's guilt.

In a criminal trial, the standard used by a jury to determine whether a defendant is guilty is "beyond a reasonable doubt." This means that the jury must begin with the presumption that the defendant is innocent and only find them guilty if they are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt.

For example, if a person is accused of stealing a car, the jury must consider all the evidence presented in court and decide whether they are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the person committed the crime. If there is any doubt in their minds, they must find the person not guilty.

Rational doubt is not a mere possible doubt, but a doubt that remains even after the entire comparison and consideration of all the evidence. It is a doubt that leaves the minds of jurors in a state where they cannot say they feel an abiding conviction, to a moral certainty, of the truth of the charge.

Overall, rational doubt is an essential part of the criminal justice system as it ensures that innocent people are not wrongly convicted.

rational-choice theory | rational interpretation

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babycat
15:35
there are plenty of non trads who get admitted to nw with below median stats bc of their stories
snow
15:37
i want NW bad
JumpySubsequentDolphin
15:37
@glovediedthisishismom: im gonna get this tattooed
snow
15:38
hoping my 3 years of legal experience help!
BulbasaurNoLikeCardio
15:38
Im not that old lmao Ill see if I can convince the wife to allow me to apply and research the area more. Just worried that I wont have that intellect that a rank 9 school would need
snow
15:38
shoot your shot bulb
snow
15:38
dont tell yourself that.
BulbasaurNoLikeCardio
15:40
I think babycat just wants me close for when she gets into Uchicago lol For me the locations of the school and environment around it matters a lot
soap
15:42
Are you in an open marriage?
babycat
15:42
@BulbasaurNoLikeCardio: aw of course I want you around but I was thinking of the 7sage diversity statement in their admissions course where this guy writes about how he and his wife take in foster kids. he got into NW with below median LSAT. you have significant past adversity and interesting work experience I would shoot your shot
babycat
15:43
and I honestly don't think the t14 require significantly more intellect than any other law school. the content is pretty much the same
15:44
the rigor of the T14 law schools is almost entirely the result of who they allow to attend
BulbasaurNoLikeCardio
15:44
Well so far Vandy is highest ranked I went for, hopefully they like me. Its not really the academics/rigor. Following rules and meeting standard is easy it is the competition for class rank and with other students that I think would be my greatest struggle
JumpySubsequentDolphin
15:45
but doesn’t grade inflation at the top schools almost make it easier to get higher grades than it does at >t14
babycat
15:45
@info-man: agreed
babycat
15:48
just my opinion but grade inflation is probably more of an undergrad thing since law school grades tend to be on a curve
shaquilleoatmeal
15:49
Leaving the office just now and this chic is blasting glorilla in the elevator...doesn't match our work location vibe lmao
shaquilleoatmeal
15:49
shits gonna be stuck in my head all night now
glovediedthisishismom
15:50
northwestern has a dude with a murder charge in their class this year dont they
shaquilleoatmeal
15:50
what^^
shaquilleoatmeal
15:50
no way
HopefullyInLawSchool
15:50
2 next year
glovediedthisishismom
15:50
google it shaq some dude got his degree in prison and is now at nw
HopefullyInLawSchool
15:50
Bro is studying to beat the charges
shaquilleoatmeal
15:52
While representing himself in court, McKinley's sentence was reduced from 100 years to 25, a sentence he served in full. While still incarcerated, he took the LSAT, or Law School Admission Test, and applied to law school - no shit, thats impressive how much he lowered his sentence being pro say
JumpySubsequentDolphin
15:52
@HopefullyInLawSchool: that made me lol
babycat
15:52
there was a convicted rapist admitted to some southern law school not too long ago
shaquilleoatmeal
15:53
smh
glovediedthisishismom
15:53
fun fact gangs specifically have all their shooters be 12-16 year olds so they can go to juvee and get their charges sealed like nothing happened
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