Farshchi v The KingCitation:[2025] HCA 46Before:Gageler CJ, Gordon, Edelman, Steward, Gleeson, Jagot, Beech-Jones JJDate:03 Dec 2025Case Number:M20/2025Read more
The High Court held that the direction that 'reasonable doubt is not an unrealistic possibility' does not alter, impair, detract from or diminish the criminal standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt, nor is it inconsistent with s 13.2 of the Criminal Code (Cth) or s 80 of the Constitution.
- Parties
- Appellant: Farshchi; Respondent: The King
- Jurisdiction
- Australia
- Judgment Date
- 03 December 2025
- Procedural Posture
- Criminal Appeal / Judgment
- Outcome
- appeal dismissed
- Legal Topics
- Standard of Proof, Jury Directions, Federal Jurisdiction, Forced Labour Offences
Case Brief
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
More case intelligence is available
Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.
Parties
Farshchi
Appellant
The King
Respondent
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the direction that 'reasonable doubt is not an unrealistic possibility' alters, impairs, detracts from or diminishes the criminal standard of proof 'beyond reasonable doubt'.
- 2 Whether the explanation in the Jury Directions Act is inconsistent with the requirements of 'trial on indictment ... by jury' in s 80 of the Constitution.
Ratio Decidendi
The High Court held that the direction that 'reasonable doubt is not an unrealistic possibility' does not alter, impair, detract from or diminish the criminal standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt, nor is it inconsistent with s 13.2 of the Criminal Code (Cth) or s 80 of the Constitution.
Court Disposition
appeal dismissed
Orders
- The appeal is dismissed.
- The conviction is affirmed.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
Sign in to read
Sign in to read the full judgment text
Sign in to read the full judgment text. Downloads and additional research tools may depend on your plan.
Sign in to read the full judgment