reasonable doubt standard (New Hampshire) · Go Syfert
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reasonable doubt standard in New Hampshire

74 New Hampshire opinions name it 1 courts 1976–2025 8 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by New Hampshire courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (60)

CaseFollowedCited
State v. Wentworthgreen
nh · 1978 · cited in 6 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 1982–2024
2 sentences

2024See, e.g., State v. Wentworth, 118 N.H. 832, 838-39 (1978) (establishing a model jury instruction regarding the reasonable doubt standard and cautioning “trial judges to avoid attempts at further defining reasonable doubt”); State v. Aubert, 120 N.H. 634, 635-38 (1980) (concluding that the trial court’s reasonable doubt charge, which added language to the charge set forth in Wentworth, was “improper,” and requesting “that trial judges not add to the model charge” established in Wentworth); State v. Saunders, 164 N.H. 342, 352 (2012) (“[I]n a criminal case that includes direct evidence, trial c

2013The reasonable doubt instruction included a sentence that is not part of the model reasonable doubt instruction set forth in State v. Wentworth, 118 N.H. 832, 838-39 (1978).

66
State v. Petersgreen
nh · 2011 · cited in 5 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 2012–2019
2 sentences

2019"To establish that an error was harmless, the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the error did not affect the verdict." *946 State v. Peters , 162 N.H. 30 , 36, 27 A.3d 765 (2011).

2019"To establish that an error was harmless, the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the error did not affect the verdict." *946 State v. Peters , 162 N.H. 30 , 36, 27 A.3d 765 (2011).

55
State v. Phinneygreen
nh · 1977 · cited in 6 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 1977–2013
2 sentences

2013See, e.g., State v. Veale, 158 N.H. 632, 638-39 (2009) (holding that reputation alone is a sufficient interest to require state due process protection and rejecting the federal “stigma-plus” approach); State v. Laurie, 139 N.H. 325, 330 (1995) (requiring State to demonstrate, beyond a reasonable doubt, that undisclosed exculpatory evidence would not have affected the verdict); State v. Phinney, 117 N.H. 145, 147 (1977) (adopting beyond a reasonable doubt standard in determining the voluntariness of confessions).

1992See State v. Sullivan, 130 N.H. 64, 68 , 534 A.2d 384, 386 (1987); State v. Phinney, 117 N.H. 145, 147 , 370 A.2d 1153, 1154 (1977) (explicitly rejecting United States Supreme Court’s “preponderance of the evidence” standard for determining voluntariness of confessions and adopting a proof beyond a reasonable doubt standard).

36
State v. Aubertgreen
nh · 1980 · cited in 4 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 1982–2024
2 sentences

2024See, e.g., State v. Wentworth, 118 N.H. 832, 838-39 (1978) (establishing a model jury instruction regarding the reasonable doubt standard and cautioning “trial judges to avoid attempts at further defining reasonable doubt”); State v. Aubert, 120 N.H. 634, 635-38 (1980) (concluding that the trial court’s reasonable doubt charge, which added language to the charge set forth in Wentworth, was “improper,” and requesting “that trial judges not add to the model charge” established in Wentworth); State v. Saunders, 164 N.H. 342, 352 (2012) (“[I]n a criminal case that includes direct evidence, trial c

2013We observed that the United States Supreme Court has indicated that a reasonable doubt instruction should impress upon the jury “the need to reach a ‘subjective state of near certitude.’ ” Id. at 637 (quoting Jackson, 443 U.S. at 315 ).

34
State v. Etiennegreen
nh · 2001 · cited in 3 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 2003–2011
2 sentences

2011State v. Etienne, 146 N.H. 115, 118 (2001).

2006State v. Etienne, 146 N.H. 115, 118 (2001).

33
State v. MacArthurgreen
nh · 1994 · cited in 3 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 1994–2002
2 sentences

2002“Where the trial court has erroneously admitted evidence, we must reverse unless the State can show beyond a reasonable doubt that such error did not affect the verdict.” State v. MacArthur, 138 N.H. 597, 599 (1994).

2000See State v. MacArthur, 138 N.H. 597, 599 , 644 A.2d 68, 69 (1994).

33
State v. Ruelkegreen
nh · 1976 · cited in 3 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 1980–1993
2 sentences

1993Bailey, 127 N.H. at 421 , 503 A.2d at 767 ; State v. Ruelke, 116 N.H. 692, 694 , 366 A.2d 497, 498 (1976).

1993Bailey, 127 N.H. at 421 , 503 A.2d at 767 ; State v. Ruelke, 116 N.H. 692, 694 , 366 A.2d 497, 498 (1976).

33
State v. William Edicgreen
nh · 2017 · cited in 4 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 2019–2022
2 sentences

2020“To establish that an error was harmless, the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the error did not affect the verdict.” State v. Edic, 169 N.H. 580, 588 (2017) (quotation omitted).

2019“To establish that an error was harmless, the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the error did not affect the verdict.” State v. Edic, 169 N.H. 580, 588 (2017) (quotation omitted).

24
Proctor v. Butlergreen
nh · 1977 · cited in 3 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 1982–2011
2 sentences

2011Despite the Supreme Court’s 1979 ruling in Addington , we declined in 1982 to reexamine the reasonable doubt requirement recognized in Proctor v. Butler, 117 N.H. 927, 935 (1977), as applicable to civil commitment proceedings under RSA chapter 135-C (civil commitment of mentally ill).

1988Prior to the evidentiary hearing on the petition, the State moved for a determination that its burden to prove mental illness and dangerousness would be measured by the standard of clear and convincing evidence, as distinguished from the reasonable doubt standard imposed by Proctor v. Butler, 117 N.H. at 935 , 380 A.2d at 677-78 ; see In re Champagne, 128 N.H. 791, 792-93 , 519 A.2d 310, 311 (1986).

23
Gibbs v. Helgemoegreen
nh · 1976 · cited in 3 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 1977–1988
2 sentences

1982Previously, in Gibbs v. Helgemoe, 116 N.H. 825, 828-29 , 367 A.2d 1041, 1043-44 (1976), we had held that a reasonable doubt standard of proof was constitutionally required in criminal recommitment hearings.

1982Previously, in Gibbs v. Helgemoe, 116 N.H. 825, 828-29 , 367 A.2d 1041, 1043-44 (1976), we had held that a reasonable doubt standard of proof was constitutionally required in criminal recommitment hearings.

23
State v. Saundersgreen
nh · 2012 · cited in 2 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 2013–2024
2 sentences

2024See, e.g., State v. Wentworth, 118 N.H. 832, 838-39 (1978) (establishing a model jury instruction regarding the reasonable doubt standard and cautioning “trial judges to avoid attempts at further defining reasonable doubt”); State v. Aubert, 120 N.H. 634, 635-38 (1980) (concluding that the trial court’s reasonable doubt charge, which added language to the charge set forth in Wentworth, was “improper,” and requesting “that trial judges not add to the model charge” established in Wentworth); State v. Saunders, 164 N.H. 342, 352 (2012) (“[I]n a criminal case that includes direct evidence, trial c

2013Saunders, 164 N.H. at 353 (quotation and ellipsis omitted); Victor, 511 U.S. at 6 . “[T]he proper inquiry is not whether the instruction could have been applied in an unconstitutional manner, but whether there is a reasonable likelihood that the jury did so apply it.” Victor, 511 U.S. at 6 ; see Saunders, 164 N.H. at 352-53 .

22
State of New Hampshire v. Vincent Coopergreen
nh · 2015 · cited in 2 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 2023–2024
2 sentences

2024See State v. Cooper, 168 N.H. 161, 165 (2015); State v. Ramsey, 166 N.H. 45, 47 (2014). [¶11] To establish harmless error, the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the error did not affect the verdict.

2023See State v. Woodbury, 124 N.H. 218 , 9 221 (1983) (“[W]e must also consider the State’s argument that the admission of his testimony, in light of all the existing circumstances, constituted harmless error.”); cf. Delaware v. Van Arsdall, 475 U.S. 673, 684 (1986) (“Whether such an error is harmless in a particular case depends upon a host of factors, all readily accessible to reviewing courts.”); State v. Cooper, 168 N.H. 161, 165 (2015) (citing Delaware, 475 U.S. at 684 ).

22
State v. Dupontgreen
nh · 2003 · cited in 2 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 2003–2019
2 sentences

2019An error may be harmless beyond a reasonable doubt if the alternative evidence of the defendant’s guilt is of an overwhelming nature, quantity, or weight, and if the inadmissible evidence is merely cumulative or inconsequential in relation to the strength of the State’s evidence of guilt.” State v. Dupont, 149 N.H. 70, 75 (2003) (quotation and citation omitted).

2003“For us to hold that an error was harmless, the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the error did not affect the verdict.” State v. Dupont, 149 N.H. 70, 75 (2003).

22
Opinion of the Justicesgreen
nh · 1982 · cited in 2 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 1984–2011
2 sentences

1984This is especially true in proceedings involving the commitment of mentally ill persons, “[bjecause the consequences of erroneous confinement are so serious, this court adopted a ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’ standard.” Opinion of the Justices, 122 N.H. 199, 202 , 442 A.2d 594, 595 (1982).

1984This is especially true in proceedings involving the commitment of mentally ill persons, “[bjecause the consequences of erroneous confinement are so serious, this court adopted a ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’ standard.” Opinion of the Justices, 122 N.H. 199, 202 , 442 A.2d 594, 595 (1982).

22
State v. Favreaugreen
nh · 1991 · cited in 2 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 1994–1994
2 sentences

1994State v. Favreau, 134 N.H. 336, 342 , 592 A.2d 1136, 1140 (1991).

1994State v. Favreau, 134 N.H. 336, 342 , 592 A.2d 1136, 1140 (1991).

22
State v. Zyskgreen
nh · 1983 · cited in 2 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 1985–1990
2 sentences

1985See State v. Zysk, 123 N.H. 481, 487 , 465 A.2d 480, 483 (1983) (although there was conflicting testimony, there was sufficient evidence to support the trial judge’s finding beyond a reasonable doubt that a waiver had occurred).

1985See State v. Zysk, 123 N.H. 481, 487 , 465 A.2d 480, 483 (1983) (although there was conflicting testimony, there was sufficient evidence to support the trial judge’s finding beyond a reasonable doubt that a waiver had occurred).

22
Beck v. Alabamagreen
scotus · 1980 · cited in 2 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 1983–2020
2 sentences

2020A lesser included instruction therefore “ensures that the jury will accord the defendant the full benefit of the reasonable-doubt standard.” Id. at 634 .

1983“Providing the jury with the ‘third option’ of convicting on a lesser included offense ensures that the jury will accord the defendant the full benefit of the reasonable doubt standard.” Beck v. Alabama, 447 U.S. 625, 634 (1980).

12
Jackson v. Virginiared
scotus · 1979 · cited in 2 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 1980–2013
2 sentences

2013We observed that the United States Supreme Court has indicated that a reasonable doubt instruction should impress upon the jury “the need to reach a ‘subjective state of near certitude.’ ” Id. at 637 (quoting Jackson, 443 U.S. at 315 ).

2013We concluded that the trial court’s “repeated emphasis that the State need not establish guilt to a mathematical certainty, and need not establish guilt to a scientific certainty, and need not establish guilt beyond all doubt violated the spirit of that standard.” Id.

12
Lego v. Twomeygreen
scotus · 1972 · cited in 2 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 1977–1982
2 sentences

1982Compare State v. Phinney, 117 N.H. 145, 146 , 370 A.2d 1153, 1154 (1977) with Lego v. Twomey, 404 U.S. 477, 486-87 (1972).

1982Compare State v. Phinney, 117 N.H. 145, 146 , 370 A.2d 1153, 1154 (1977) with Lego v. Twomey, 404 U.S. 477, 486-87 (1972).

12
State v. Gregoiregreen
nh · 1978 · cited in 2 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 1978–1982
2 sentences

1982The legislature’s attempt to reduce this standard to “a preponderance of the evidence” was struck down as unconstitutional in State v. Gregoire, 118 N.H. 140, 144 , 384 A.2d 132, 134 (1978).

1978The same reasonable doubt standard applied as “an essential requirement of due process in adjudicatory juvenile delinquency proceedings.” Gibbs, id.

12
State v. Crossgreen
nh · 1986 · cited in 1 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
1 sentence

2025See State v. Cross, 128 N.H. 732, 737 (1986) (concluding that even when a prospective juror states that a criminal defendant must prove his innocence it is not an unsustainable exercise of discretion for the trial court to seat the juror if the prospective juror states she will apply the trial court’s reasonable doubt instruction).

11
State v. Morehousegreen
nh · 1980 · cited in 1 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
1 sentence

2024See Morehouse, 120 N.H. at 744 .

11
State of New Hampshire v. William Ramseygreen
nh · 2014 · cited in 1 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
1 sentence

2024See State v. Cooper, 168 N.H. 161, 165 (2015); State v. Ramsey, 166 N.H. 45, 47 (2014). [¶11] To establish harmless error, the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the error did not affect the verdict.

11
Delaware v. Van Arsdallgreen
scotus · 1986 · cited in 1 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 2023–2023
2 sentences

2023See State v. Woodbury, 124 N.H. 218 , 9 221 (1983) (“[W]e must also consider the State’s argument that the admission of his testimony, in light of all the existing circumstances, constituted harmless error.”); cf. Delaware v. Van Arsdall, 475 U.S. 673, 684 (1986) (“Whether such an error is harmless in a particular case depends upon a host of factors, all readily accessible to reviewing courts.”); State v. Cooper, 168 N.H. 161, 165 (2015) (citing Delaware, 475 U.S. at 684 ).

2023See State v. Woodbury, 124 N.H. 218 , 9 221 (1983) (“[W]e must also consider the State’s argument that the admission of his testimony, in light of all the existing circumstances, constituted harmless error.”); cf. Delaware v. Van Arsdall, 475 U.S. 673, 684 (1986) (“Whether such an error is harmless in a particular case depends upon a host of factors, all readily accessible to reviewing courts.”); State v. Cooper, 168 N.H. 161, 165 (2015) (citing Delaware, 475 U.S. at 684 ).

11
State v. Woodburygreen
nh · 1983 · cited in 1 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 2023–2023
1 sentence

2023See State v. Woodbury, 124 N.H. 218 , 9 221 (1983) (“[W]e must also consider the State’s argument that the admission of his testimony, in light of all the existing circumstances, constituted harmless error.”); cf. Delaware v. Van Arsdall, 475 U.S. 673, 684 (1986) (“Whether such an error is harmless in a particular case depends upon a host of factors, all readily accessible to reviewing courts.”); State v. Cooper, 168 N.H. 161, 165 (2015) (citing Delaware, 475 U.S. at 684 ).

11
State v. Souksamranegreen
nh · 2012 · cited in 1 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 2014–2014
2 sentences

2014State v. Souksamrane, 164 N.H. 425, 429 (2012).

2014State v. Souksamrane, 164 N.H. 425, 429 (2012).

11
State v. Lauriegreen
nh · 1995 · cited in 1 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 2013–2013
11
O'Laughlin v. O'Briengreen
ca1 · 2009 · cited in 1 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 2013–2013
11
State v. Derouchiegreen
vt · 1981 · cited in 1 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 2013–2013
11
State v. Vealegreen
nh · 2009 · cited in 1 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 2013–2013
11
State v. Reidgreen
nh · 1991 · cited in 1 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011
11
State v. Gabusigreen
nh · 2003 · cited in 1 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011
11
State v. Foxgreen
nh · 2004 · cited in 1 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 2009–2009
11
State v. Brodowskigreen
nh · 1991 · cited in 1 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
11
State v. Demerittgreen
nh · 2002 · cited in 1 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 2003–2003
11
State v. Allisongreen
nh · 1991 · cited in 1 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
11
State v. Crosbygreen
nh · 1997 · cited in 1 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 2000–2000
11
State v. Skidmoregreen
nh · 1993 · cited in 1 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 1995–1995
11
State v. Bujnowskigreen
nh · 1987 · cited in 1 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 1995–1995
11
Chapman v. Californiared
scotus · 1967 · cited in 1 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 1993–1993
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (1)

CaseNegativeCited
State v. Squiresred
· 1869 · cited in 1 New Hampshire opinions naming this issue, 1977–1977
11

Also cited on this issue (17)

CaseCitedYears
State v. Rouleau green
nh · 2024
2 sentences

2025State v. Rouleau, 176 N.H. 400 , 407 (2024), 2024 N.H. 2, ¶20 .

2025Id. [¶24] The factors that we consider in assessing whether an error did not affect the verdict include, but are not limited to: (1) the strength of the State’s case; (2) whether the admitted or excluded evidence is cumulative or inconsequential in relation to the strength of the State’s case; (3) the frequency of the error; (4) the presence or absence of evidence corroborating or contradicting the erroneously admitted or excluded evidence; (5) the nature of the defense; (6) the circumstances in which the evidence was introduced at trial; (7) whether the court took any curative steps; (8) whet

42024–2025
Addington v. Texas green
scotus · 1979
2 sentences

2011The Court stated that while “the preponderance standard falls short of meeting the demands of due process ... the reasonable-doubt standard is not required.” Id. at 431 .

2011The Court found the reasonable doubt standard “inappropriate in civil commitment proceedings because, given the uncertainties of psychiatric diagnosis, it may impose a burden the state cannot meet and thereby erect an unreasonable barrier to needed medical treatment.” Id. at 432 .

21982–2011
State v. Bailey green
nh · 1985
2 sentences

1993A trial court’s failure to preserve a record of the discussion constitutes an error that requires reversal unless it “appears beyond a reasonable doubt that the error was harmless.” Bailey, 127 N.H. at 421 , 503 A.2d at 767 .

1993A trial court’s failure to preserve a record of the discussion constitutes an error that requires reversal unless it “appears beyond a reasonable doubt that the error was harmless.” Bailey, 127 N.H. at 421 , 503 A.2d at 767 .

21993–1993
State of New Hampshire v. Ashley Hayward green
nh · 2014
1 sentence

2015Id. at 584 .

12015–2015
Victor v. Nebraska green
scotus · 1994
12013–2013
State v. O'Leary green
nh · 2006
12011–2011
State v. Goodale green
nh · 1999
12004–2004
Miranda v. Arizona green
scotus · 1966
11989–1989
State v. Maloney green
nh · 1985
11988–1988
State v. Radziewicz green
nh · 1982
11984–1984
Martineau v. Perrin green
nh · 1979
11982–1982
Richard Dunn v. Everett I. Perrin, Jr., Laurence Black v. Edward Cox green
ca1 · 1978
11980–1980
Perrin v. Dunn green
scotus · 1978
11980–1980
Lynch v. Overholser green
scotus · 1962
11978–1978
Kanteles v. Wheelock green
nhd · 1977
11978–1978
In Re GAULT green
scotus · 1967
11978–1978
In Re WINSHIP green
scotus · 1970
11977–1977

Statutes the citing opinions construe

NH § N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 632-A:2 (9) NH § N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 630:1-a (7) NH § N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 625:11 (6) NH § N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 631:2 (6) NH § N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 632-A:3 (6) NH § N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 625:3 (5) NH § N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 630:1-b (5) NH § N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 631:1 (5) NH § N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 626:2 (4) NH § N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 629:1 (4) NH § N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 632-A:4 (4) NH § N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 633:1 (4)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

CA 1862 (1883–2026) TX 1722 (1911–2026) FL 748 (1973–2026) IL 678 (1905–2026) PA 508 (1919–2026) KS 495 (1925–2026) WA 404 (1930–2026) TN 357 (1970–2026) AZ 282 (1965–2026) GA 252 (1914–2026) OH 201 (1968–2026) ID 185 (1975–2026) NY 184 (1956–2024) CO 177 (1949–2026) LA 176 (1976–2026) MD 171 (1966–2026) MA 158 (1972–2026) HI 156 (1950–2026) IN 154 (1891–2026) WI 151 (1977–2026) MS 145 (1924–2026) MN 137 (1953–2026) AL 137 (1916–2024) CT 129 (1955–2025) MO 107 (1889–2023) NJ 105 (1967–2026) SC 103 (1976–2026) DC 101 (1969–2026) MI 92 (1968–2026) NC 86 (1898–2023) IA 81 (1878–2024) KY 76 (1922–2026) NH 74 (1976–2025) UT 73 (1970–2026) OR 70 (1894–2026) NV 69 (1967–2026) AR 68 (1908–2025) VA 65 (1919–2026) NM 53 (1947–2025) WV 53 (1912–2023) DE 42 (1979–2026) SD 42 (1911–2022) OK 39 (1973–2025) RI 36 (1971–2026) ME 32 (1971–2024) MT 31 (1974–2024) VT 25 (1899–2026) ND 23 (1977–2021) WY 22 (1974–2025) AK 20 (1975–2025) NE 19 (1968–2022) VI 3 (1995–2015) GU 2 (2025–2025)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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