Question

before a person may be convicted of a crime that requires proof of mental fault, the government must prove, ____________, the external physical act and the internal mental element.

select one:

a. by preponderance of the evidence

b. beyond a reasonable doubt

c. to 100% certainty

d. to exact conclusiveness

Explanation:

In criminal law, to convict a person of a crime requiring mental fault (mens rea along with actus reus), the government must prove the case "beyond a reasonable doubt". "By preponderance of the evidence" is the standard for civil cases. "To 100% certainty" and "to exact conclusiveness" are not legal standards for criminal conviction as absolute certainty is not required, just a high level of confidence that leaves no reasonable doubt.

Answer:

b. beyond a reasonable doubt