Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The conviction rate is the percentage of individuals who are found guilty by a court of law after being charged with a crime. A high conviction rate, such as 99.3%, suggests a judicial system that may be biased or lacking in due process.
Related terms
Acquittal: The opposite of conviction, an acquittal occurs when someone accused of a crime is found not guilty by a court.
Prosecution: The legal party responsible for presenting the case against an individual accused of committing a crime.
Burden of Proof: Refers to the obligation placed on the prosecution to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the alleged crime.