Standard of proof to conviction and reasonable doubt in criminal procedure: analysis of possible contributions to the Brazilian criminal justice

Abstract

This article intends to analyze the standard of proof for conviction in Brazilian criminal procedure and the possible contributions of the “beyond reasonable doubt” category in case of incorporation into the national system. This is a relevant theme, due to the absence of express regulations in Brazilian legal order and the incipient doctrinal approach on the subject. Thus, it is intended to answer the following problems: 1) Is it necessary to adopt a standard of proof for conviction in the Brazilian criminal procedure? 2) Is the standard of “proof beyond reasonable doubt” a viable and pertinent option? 3) What criteria can be used to define its content? It is argued that the adoption of a standard of proof with logical and objective criteria is a fundamental step towards the implementation of a rational theory of proof, so that, although there are relevant criticisms, the “beyond reasonable doubt” category can provide important contributions to the Brazilian criminal procedure. In this sense, this article proposes criteria for its definition and suggests a legislative amendment.