What is the standard of proof required to find a defendant guilty in a criminal trial?

In a criminal trial, the standard of proof required to find a defendant guilty is "beyond a reasonable doubt." This means that the evidence presented must be so convincing that there is no reasonable doubt in the mind of a rational person that the defendant committed the crime. This high standard reflects the principle that it is better for a guilty person to go free than for an innocent person to be wrongly convicted, thus safeguarding individual rights and maintaining the integrity of the legal system.

In contrast, "preponderance of evidence" is the standard used in civil cases, which simply requires that the evidence show that something is more likely true than not. "Clear and convincing evidence" is also a higher standard than preponderance, typically used in certain civil proceedings, such as those involving the termination of parental rights, but is not applicable in criminal cases. "Probable cause" is the standard used to justify arrest or search and seizure but does not suffice for a conviction in a trial. This distinction is essential in understanding the varying levels of proof required in different legal contexts.