In what scenario must a jury deliver a verdict according to the standard of "beyond a reasonable doubt"?

A jury must deliver a verdict according to the standard of "beyond a reasonable doubt" specifically in criminal cases. This standard is a fundamental principle in the American legal system, reflecting the serious nature of criminal charges and the potential consequences for the accused, including loss of liberty. The "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard requires the prosecution to prove its case to a high level of certainty, as the stakes are significantly higher in criminal cases than in civil matters.

In contrast, civil cases operate under the standard of “preponderance of the evidence,” which requires that one party’s case be more likely than not to be true. Other settings, like administrative hearings and family law disputes, have their own rules and standards for decision-making that do not include the stringent "beyond a reasonable doubt" benchmark.