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A reasonable doubt is nothing more than a doubt for which…

“A reasonable doubt is nothing more than a doubt for which reasons can be given. The fact that 1 or 2 men out of 12 differ from the others does not establish that their doubts are reasonable.” quote by Lord Hailsham
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“A reasonable doubt is nothing more than a doubt for which reasons can be given. The fact that 1 or 2 men out of 12 differ from the others does not establish that their doubts are reasonable.”

Lord Hailsham

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A doubt is reasonable only when it can be supported by logical reasons; mere minority opinion does not make a doubt reasonable.

In simple terms: Reasonable doubt needs logical support, not just being a minority view.

Key Takeaway

Provide evidence for any doubt you claim.

Themes

law reasoning justice

Mood

analytical critical

Type

legal philosophical

When to use this quote

  • courtroom deliberations
  • jury decisions
  • policy debates
  • academic discussions

Key Concepts

epistemology burden of proof

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you assess whether a doubt is logically grounded?
  • When should minority opinions be trusted?
A Different Perspective

A single dissenting view may still be unreasonable if lacking justification.

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