“burden of proof”
This page shows official legal definitions of “burden of proof” from courts and ministries of justice in multiple countries. Definitions are listed in order of reading level to help with both basic understanding and deeper context.
United States
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The obligation of a party to establish a fact by presenting evidence in support of that fact.
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New Zealand
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The responsibility to prove a disputed allegation or charge.
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United States
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The duty to prove disputed facts. In civil cases, a plaintiff generally has the burden of proving his or her case. In criminal cases, the government has the burden of proving the defendant's guilt. (See standard of proof.).
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Australia
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The obligation to prove what is alleged. In criminal cases, this obligation rests on the prosecution, which must prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. In civil cases, it rests on the applicant, who must prove his or her case on the balance of probabilities. Sometimes, however, this burden shifts, for example, where the defendant or respondent raises particular defences.
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