In which situation is “beyond reasonable doubt” a standard?

The standard of "beyond reasonable doubt" is specifically applied in criminal trials as it serves to protect the fundamental rights of individuals accused of a crime. In these trials, the burden of proof rests on the prosecution, which must establish the defendant's guilt to such a high degree of certainty that there are no reasonable doubts remaining in the minds of the jurors. This standard reflects the serious consequences that may arise from a conviction, including imprisonment, and therefore requires a higher degree of certainty compared to other legal contexts.

This contrasts with civil cases, where the standard is typically "preponderance of the evidence," meaning that one side's evidence simply needs to outweigh the other's. In arbitrations and administrative hearings, the standards can vary widely and do not follow the stringent "beyond reasonable doubt" threshold customary in criminal proceedings.