For this reason, one might find it useful to think of beyond the shadow of doubt as a metaphysical description.īeyond the shadow of a doubt is not the standard of proof in criminal cases ( beyond a reasonable doubt is the standard in common law jurisdictions). Scientific and philosophic perspectives īeyond the shadow of doubt cannot be a scientific term because that level of certainty exists beyond the limits of science, i.e., because science depends on necessarily uncertain a posteriori knowledge, nothing in science could be beyond doubt. Some feel the former an impossible standard of proof in court, while the latter is more logically accommodating, allowing for the limits of human reason. Interchangeability with reasonable doubt īeyond the shadow of a doubt is sometimes used interchangeably, although mistakenly, with beyond a reasonable doubt, especially in courts of law. beyond the shadow of a doubt - no doubt whatsoever could be raised.beyond a reasonable doubt - no reasonable doubt could be raised.clear and convincing evidence - it is substantially more likely than not.

preponderance of the evidence - it is more likely than not.air of reality - only having the traces of truth.

An example of such a continuum might advance as follows:

1.2 Scientific and philosophic perspectivesīeyond the shadow of a doubt is a standard of proof, and as such, falls along a continuum of certainty.

1.1 Interchangeability with reasonable doubt.

Without a shadow of a doubt idiom