A trial judge's pre-evidence direction that the words 'beyond reasonable doubt' are 'plain ordinary English words' that 'do not admit of any better definition' constitutes a sufficient explanation for the purpose of s 63(1) of the Jury Directions Act 2015 (Vic), though judges are advised to avoid the latter formulation in future. Non-compliance with the obligation to explain the phrase before evidence is adduced does not necessarily constitute a substantial miscarriage of justice.
The full text is available to signed-in members, including the 1 later case that cites this judgment.