A "source" shared this draft opinion poised to be released, possibly TODAY. It's a day we never thought we would see: your favourite appellate court striking down the proof beyond a reasonable doubt requirement in all criminal cases!
In a 2-1 decision (and you pretty much know who is dissenting...) that effectively sets fire to every law school criminal procedure textbook, the court has ruled that the "Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt" standard is—and I’m quoting here—"an antiquated burden that fails to meet the logistical demands of a modern, high-volume judiciary."
The court’s reasoning is a masterpiece of judicial gymnastics. They’ve introduced a new standard: "Clear and Articulable Suspicion of Guilt" (CASG).
Writing for the majority, the court noted that the "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt" standard was "never intended to be a shield for the guilty, but rather a hurdle that has become increasingly impassable in an era of complex forensic evidence and distracted jurors." From now on, if the State can show a "significant likelihood" that the defendant was "involved in the general vicinity of the alleged unpleasantness," the burden shifts to the defense to prove innocence by a "preponderance of the evidence."
The "Golden Thread" of English Common Law hasn't just been cut; it’s been shredded and used for confetti.
We suppose it makes our upcoming retirement on June 30th look less like a departure and more like a daring escape from a sinking ship. Only today could we post something like this. We fool you not!