CALIFORNIA EVIDENCE: CIVIL AND CRIMINAL
...Presumptions & Burden of Proof
......Criminal Presumptions-Burden of Proof
.........In General
6 Cards On This Topic:
  • Presumption affecting burden of proof in criminal action.
  • Prima facie language in statutes establishes rebuttable presumptions.
  • Presumptions and judicial notice recitals need not be stated in accusatory pleadings.
  • Instructing jury it must accept reasonable, over unreasonable, interpretation of evidence does not create mandatory presumption which lessens People's burden of proof.
  • EC §1108 instruction was correct that charged sex offenses can be used to show a propensity to commit other such offenses, but not in stating a charged offense need be found true only by a preponderance of the evidence before it can be so used.
  • Failure to instruct on presumption of innocence and DA's burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt constitutes prejudicial error requiring reversal.