Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

This phrase, heard countless times every day in American courtrooms across the country, sets forth the

burden of proof placed upon the prosecution in a criminal trial. Yet this cherished principle is not mentioned in the Constitution, nor is it defined by any laws. What, then, does "beyond a reasonable doubt" really mean, and how should it be interpreted and applied?


In Beyond a Reasonable Doubt more than 80 distinguished contributors reflect on what this standard really means and how it is applied. Brilliantly dissecting its meaning from every angle, attorneys, judges, novelists, journalists, religious leaders and convicted felons shine a light on the most compelling standard in our legal system.


The essays touch on many of the most celebrated criminal cases of our time, including those of O.J. Simpson, Scott Peterson, Chandra Levy, JonBenét Ramsey, John Mark Karr, Martha Stewart, Michael Jackson, and Robert Blake. Other essays focus on the most significant legal events of recent times such as the Watergate affair, the Clinton impeachment, the trials of Dr. Kevorkian, the Enron debacle, Serbian/Bosnian war crimes, 9/11, and the War on Terror.


Each author has his own interpretation of America's cherished standard. Using that belief as a springboard, the essays cover many of the most important issues of the day: literacy, the importance of civility, victims' rights, the death penalty, revamping the American penal system, and the role of the media in criminal trial proceedings.


This one-of-a-kind collection is destined to be a talked-about books for years to come. Beyond a Reasonable Doubt is essential reading for anyone concerned with the justice system and whether it really advances America's most cherished principles.