Practice question
The prosecution fails to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt, but the accused offers a weak denial. Can weakness of the denial alone cure the prosecution's failure?
- Yes, every weak denial proves guilt
- Yes, because the accused bears the entire burden of proving innocence
- No; conviction must rest on the prosecution's sufficient evidence, not merely the defense's weakness
- Yes, if the charge is serious
- Yes, if the complainant insists
Legal references
- A.M. No. 19-08-15-SC, Rule 133, Sections 2 and 4; Patotoy v. People, G.R. No. 257910, March 4, 2025, main decision.
- Reviewed primary authority, Rule 133, Sections 2 and 4: https://lawphil.net/courts/rules/am_19-08-15-sc_2019.html
- Reviewed primary authority, Main decision, prosecution burden and presumption of innocence: https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2025/mar2025/gr_257910_2025.html
Answer this question in flashcards to review your response and continue practicing.