LEGAL PRINCIPLE: CRIMINAL LAW – Standard of Proof – Prosecution Must Prove Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
It is a cardinal principle of justice that conviction can only follow where the charge has been proved beyond reasonable doubt. The prosecution must prove the prisoner's guilt, and any reasonable doubt entitles the accused to acquittal.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Mohammed, JSC, in Onuchukwu v. The State (1998) NLC-1041996(SC) at p. 16; Paras B–C.
"It is a cardinal principle of justice that conviction could only follow where the charge against an accused person has been proved beyond any reasonable doubt… it is the duty of the prosecution to prove the prisoner's guilt. Once there is reasonable doubt created by the evidence given the prisoner is entitled to an acquittal."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
The prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The accused is presumed innocent. Any reasonable doubt must be resolved in favour of the accused. The principle is fundamental to criminal justice. The standard requires a high degree of probability, not absolute certainty. The court must be satisfied that no reasonable doubt exists. The rule protects against wrongful conviction. The prosecution cannot rely on suspicion or speculation. The principle applies to all criminal trials.