Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Circumstantial Evidence and DNA in Rape with Homicide: When Conviction Stands Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court affirms a rape-with-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence, explaining when inconclusive DNA results do not warrant acquittal.
Circumstantial Evidence and Conviction: Rape with Homicide Requires Moral Certainty
When can circumstantial evidence convict someone of rape with homicide? The Supreme Court explains the moral certainty standard.
Attempted Rape With Homicide: Supreme Court Affirms Conspiracy, Treachery, Rejects Intoxication Defense
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction for attempted rape with homicide, explaining conspiracy, treachery, and why intoxication and lack of instruction defenses failed.
Sexual Assault and the Definition of Rape: Expanding Protection Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts interpret rape with homicide, custodial rights, and the evolving definition of sexual assault in criminal cases.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim's Testimony and Weapon Use Analyzed
Supreme Court affirms rape with homicide conviction, clarifies death penalty reduction rules for minor offenders.
Confessions AND Corroboration Ensuring Justice IN Rape With Homicide Cases
Dying Declarations and Juvenile Offenders: Defining Justice in Rape with Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape-with-homicide conviction based on a dying declaration but spares a 15-year-old from death.
Reasonable Doubt Acquittal in Rape with Homicide Based on Circumstantial Evidence
Supreme Court acquits rape-homicide accused where circumstantial evidence failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Circumstantial Evidence Sufficiency Convicting Accused IN Rape With Homicide Cases
When can circumstantial evidence convict in rape with homicide? The Supreme Court explains the rules in People v. Gannaban.
Defining Qualified Rape: The Critical Elements for Imposing the Death Penalty
The Supreme Court clarifies when rape with homicide warrants the death penalty, requiring proof of both crimes beyond reasonable doubt.
Improvident Plea and Admissibility of Extrajudicial Confession in Rape with Homicide Cases
When a guilty plea is improvident, conviction may still stand on other evidence—here, a valid extrajudicial confession and circumstantial proof.
Improvident Plea AND Admissibility OF Extrajudicial Confessions IN Rape With Homicide Cases
Acquittal in Rape With Homicide: When Reasonable Doubt Prevails
The Supreme Court acquitted Antonio Silvano of rape with homicide, showing why hearsay confessions and weak circumstantial evidence cannot sustain a conviction.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Rape with Homicide Due to Insufficient Evidence
The Supreme Court acquits Antonio Silvano of rape with homicide, ruling that uncorroborated testimony and weak circumstantial evidence cannot overcome reasonable doubt.
Confessions and Constitutional Rights: How Philippine Courts Balance Justice and Due Process in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when extrajudicial confessions are admissible and how circumstantial evidence can sustain a conviction in rape with homicide.
Upholding DUE Process When Acquittal Isnt Always Final IN Rape With Homicide Cases
Why Prosecutors Must Present Evidence in Rape Cases: Lessons from Merciales v. Court of Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling on prosecutorial duty, state witnesses, and due process in rape with homicide cases.
Positive Identification and Conspiracy in Rape With Homicide Cases
Learn how Philippine courts weigh eyewitness identification against alibi, and how conspiracy is proven in violent crimes.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Rape with Homicide Case Due to Insufficient Circumstantial Evidence
Supreme Court acquits two men convicted of rape with homicide, ruling circumstantial evidence failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Reasonable Doubt and Circumstantial Evidence in Rape with Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two accused in a rape with homicide case, emphasizing that circumstantial evidence must form an unbroken chain proving guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Circumstantial Evidence and Conviction: When Proof Falls Short of Rape With Homicide
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when circumstantial evidence suffices for homicide but not rape with homicide conviction.
When Silence Speaks Volumes: Rape With Homicide Convictions Through Eyewitness and Circumstantial Evidence
How Philippine courts convict in rape-with-homicide cases when the victim cannot testify, using eyewitness accounts and circumstantial evidence.
Positive Identification and Witness Competency in Rape with Homicide Cases
How the Supreme Court affirmed that a witness with hearing and intellectual impairments can provide credible testimony in rape with homicide prosecutions.
Confession as Key Evidence in Rape With Homicide Case: People v. Valla
A confession made to barangay officials after finding a victim's body can convict. The Supreme Court explains when extrajudicial admissions are admissible evidence.