Question

Assume there is a criminal case (e.g., drug trafficking) held in federal district court. Explain the "burden of proof " in a federal criminal case.

Answer 1

In a criminal case, say drug trafficking, it is government's duty to prove that defendant is guilty before the jury which then gives its opinion. By government I mean prosecution. It is also important to note that the burden of proof also means that the prosecutor must prove that the defendant is guilty of the crime and he must do so beyond a reasonable doubt in front of the jury.

Whay is reasonable doubt? It is a relative concept, means different things to different people. It's not defined by law but what it means is that, jury must be unanimous in their call if they want to convict the defendant and for that to happen, there mustn't be any doubt left in their minds. However, incase jury fails to reach a unanimous decision, the case would either be retried or dropped.