104 Mich. 341 | Mich. | 1895
The respondent was convicted of the crime of rape upon his stepdaughter, 16 years old.
“ The respondent comes before you presumed to be innocent of the offense charged in this information, and that presumption continues to surround him until removed by evidence that satisfies your minds beyond any reasonable doubt of his guilt of the offense charged; and by proof' beyond a reasonable doubt I mean such proof as precludes every reasonable hypothesis except that of the respondent’s guilt of the offense charged. It is proof to a moral certainty, as distinguished from an absolute certainty. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt is not beyond all imaginary doubt, but such proof as satisfies the judgment and conscience of the jury, as reasonable men applying their reason to the evidence before them, that the crime charged has been committed by the respondent; so satisfies them as to leave no other reasonable conclusion possible.”
The judgment is affirmed.