burden of proof

American  

noun

1. Chiefly Law. the obligation to offer evidence that the court or jury could reasonably believe, in support of a contention, failing which the case will be lost.

2. the obligation to establish a contention as fact by evoking evidence of its probable truth.

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burden of proof British  

noun

1. law the obligation, in criminal cases resting initially on the prosecution, to provide evidence that will convince the court or jury of the truth of one's contention

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burden of proof Idioms  

1. Obligation of proving a disputed charge or allegation. For example, Are you sure you mailed the tax return on time? The burden of proof's on you. A legal term dating from the late 1500s, it has also been used more loosely in recent times.

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Etymology

Origin of burden of proof

First recorded in 1585–95

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

burden of proof

She was told the university’s internal process has a lower burden of proof and it would unfold in a familiar campus setting, she said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026

The burden of proof, he said, was too high and the language in the bill too vague.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026

And on each of Pike’s claims, Ward offered the same summary conclusion that she had not met her burden of proof.

From Slate ● Aug. 25, 2026

It adds to a growing list of topping signals, so I think at this point the burden of proof is with the bulls and caution is warranted,” Thomas said.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 30, 2026

The burden of proof is on the prosecution.

From "Twelve Angry Men" by Reginald Rose

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Related Words

• onus

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