Final answer:
The legal term for possessing a degree of knowledge about material facts relating to a conviction is 'mens rea.' In criminal trials, evidence must convince beyond a reasonable doubt, which is the highest standard of proof, especially in serious offenses like capital homicide cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The legal term that signifies possession of a degree of knowledge about facts material to a conviction of a crime is mens rea, which is Latin for 'guilty mind.' This legal concept refers to the criminal intent necessary for an individual to be held liable for a criminal offense. In the context of a criminal trial, such as a capital homicide case, the standard of proof is that the evidence must be convincing beyond a reasonable doubt. This means that the prosecution must prove that the defendant's actions were not only illegal but also that they were committed with a certain level of intent or knowledge of their wrongdoing.
In criminal justice practice, when a person is charged with a serious crime, they will have hearings where the burden is on the prosecution to present evidence that convinces the jury of the accused's guilt 'beyond a reasonable doubt.' This standard protects against wrongful convictions and upholds the principle that it's better many guilty persons escape than one innocent suffer. Furthermore, landmark cases like Apprendi v. New Jersey have established the requirement that any fact increasing the penalty for a crime beyond the statutory maximum must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury.