reasonable



reasonable person

In law, a hypothetical person against which the defendant's actions in a case are judged. The goal is to determine whether or not a "reasonable person" would act as the defendant did. Any reasonable person would have done the same thing my client did in that situation, and you know it!
See also: person, reasonable

beyond a reasonable doubt

almost without any doubt. (A legal phrase.) The jury decided beyond a reasonable doubt that she had committed the crime. He was also found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
See also: beyond, doubt, reasonable

beyond a doubt

Also, beyond the shadow of a doubt. Certainly so, undoubtedly so, as in Beyond a doubt this is the best view of the valley. This phrase, along with the earlier without doubt (dating from c. 1300), asserts the truth of some statement. W.S. Gilbert's version, in The Gondoliers (1889), is: "Of that there is no manner of doubt-no probable, possible shadow of doubt-no possible doubt whatever." In this context shadow means "a trace or slight suggestion." Another variant is beyond a reasonable doubt. This phrase is often used in court when the judge instructs the jury that they must be convinced of the accused's guilt or innocence beyond a reasonable doubt; reasonable here means "logical and rational." Also see beyond question; no doubt.
See also: beyond, doubt

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
JadynJAY-dinEnglish (Modern)
LÓEgaire-Irish Mythology, Ancient Irish
Arnell['a:nəl]
Michalis-Greek
Hart[ha:t]
HarmonieHAHR-mə-neeEnglish (Rare)