# K.S.A. § 21-5108: 21-5108 - Burden of proof; defendant presumed innocent

> Kansas · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KS_C21_A51_S21-5108

## Section

- **Citation:** K.S.A. § 21-5108
- **Heading:** 21-5108 - Burden of proof; defendant presumed innocent
- **Jurisdiction:** Kansas
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** KS Code / Chapter 21 / Article 51 / Section 21-5108

## Text

21-5108. Burden of proof; defendant presumed innocent. (a) In all criminal proceedings, the state has the burden to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a defendant is guilty of a crime. This standard requires the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt each required element of a crime.

(b) A defendant is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty. When there is a reasonable doubt as to which of two or more degrees of a crime the defendant is guilty, the defendant shall be convicted of the lowest degree only. When there is a reasonable doubt as to a defendant's guilt, the defendant shall be found not guilty.

(c) A defendant is entitled to an instruction on every affirmative defense that is supported by competent evidence. Competent evidence is that which could allow a rational fact finder to reasonably conclude that the defense applies. Once the defendant satisfies the burden of producing such evidence, the state has the burden of disproving the defense beyond a reasonable doubt.

(d) Issues raised under K.S.A. 21-5106, 21-5107 and 21-5110, and amendments thereto, are not affirmative defenses under subsection (c).

## Nearby sections

- [K.S.A. § 21-5101 21-5101 - Title.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KS_C21_A51_S21-5101.md)
- [K.S.A. § 21-5102 21-5102 - Crimes defined; classes of crimes.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KS_C21_A51_S21-5102.md)
- [K.S.A. § 21-5103 21-5103 - Scope and application.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KS_C21_A51_S21-5103.md)
- [K.S.A. § 21-5104 21-5104 - Severability; invalidity of part of code.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KS_C21_A51_S21-5104.md)
- [K.S.A. § 21-5106 21-5106 - Jurisdictional application.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KS_C21_A51_S21-5106.md)
- [K.S.A. § 21-5107 21-5107 - Time limitations for commencement of prosecution.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KS_C21_A51_S21-5107.md)
- [K.S.A. § 21-5108 21-5108 - Burden of proof; defendant presumed innocent.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KS_C21_A51_S21-5108.md)
- [K.S.A. § 21-5109 21-5109 - Multiple prosecutions for same act; lesser included crimes.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KS_C21_A51_S21-5109.md)
- [K.S.A. § 21-5110 21-5110 - Effect of former prosecution.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KS_C21_A51_S21-5110.md)
- [K.S.A. § 21-5111 21-5111 - Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KS_C21_A51_S21-5111.md)
- [K.S.A. § 21-5112 21-5112 - Prohibition on ordering the victim of a crime to undergo psychiatric or psychological examination.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KS_C21_A51_S21-5112.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KS_C21_A51_S21-5108. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.