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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

burden of proof

The burden of proof would lie on your shoulders.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 7, 2026

For children, teenagers and college-age athletes, the burden of proof should be on those who insist repetitive head impacts are safe.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 19, 2026

"Crucially, the New York Times would face a far more stringent burden of proof in Israel than under the US standard, as a mere lack of malice is insufficient to avoid liability," he said.

From BBC ● May 15, 2026

In criminal law, "the burden of proof is higher," noted Brandon Garrett, a law professor at Duke University -- with prosecutors required to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

From Barron's ● May 11, 2026

The burden of proof is on the prosecution.

From "Twelve Angry Men" by Reginald Rose

Related Words

• onus