Chapter 4 Criminal Law

The prosecution has to prove the defendant's guilt beyond _________________________.

A reasonable doubt

Evidence of flight from the scene of a crime is never by itself to establish _________________.

guilt

If a defendant does not testify at his or her criminal trial, the judge or jury may not use this as evidence of __________________________.

guilt or an inference of guilt

Inferences are reasonable conclusions that judges or juries ____________________.

may draw

In general, presumptions are inferences that a judge or jury are _______________.

required to make

Evidence consists of materials presented to the trier of fact to convince them of ___________________________.

the existence of a fact

In some instances, presumptions may operate against a defendant's right to a _____________________ and thus be unconstitutional.

trial by jury

Direct evidence is evidence that proves a fact without the need of ___________________.

inferences or presumptions

Circumstantial evidence frequently takes the form of showing that the defendant had the means, opportunity, and _______________.

motive

In Holland v. US the Supreme Court upheld an income tax evasion conviction on the basis of circumstantial evidence in the form of ___________________.

net worth

Proof is the result of ________________.

evidence

The burden of ____________________ requires the party with the burden on a factual issue to introduce sufficient relevant evidence to prove the fact in issue.

production

In court, similar crimes by a defendant may be admissible under _____________________.

some circumstances

_____________________ is ordinarily defined as the means of establishing and proving the truth or untruth of any fact that is alleged.

Evidence

_________________________ are reasonable conclusions or deductions that fact finders may draw from the evidence presented to them.

Inferences

A defendant is found in possession of a very large quantity of illegal drugs. It is permissible to draw the inference that the possession was with the intent to ____________________.

distribute (deliver)

The burden of _____________________ requires the party with the burden to produce sufficient evidence to persuade the fact finder that a fact exists.

persuasion

The burden of proof states the level of proof a party must meet to ultimately ____________________.

win the case

Every essential element of the crime charged must be proved by the government beyond a reasonable ____________________ in order to convict and punish a defendant for the crime charged.

doubt

Circumstantial evidence is evidence that proves a fact in issue indirectly or by __________________.

inference