burden of proof

noun phrase

: the duty of proving a disputed assertion or charge

Examples of burden of proof in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At a deportation hearing, the government has a lower burden of proof and the defendant does not have the right to a jury trial, for example. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2025

This reframing places the burden of proof on employees rather than technology. —Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

Defense attorneys for the two men argued that the state did not meet its burden of proof. —Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025

But Musk failed to meet the burden of proof needed for an injunction, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled yesterday. —Ars Technica, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for burden of proof

• aloof
• behoof
• disproof
• flameproof
• foolproof
• greaseproof
• leakproof
• reproof
• soundproof
• bulletproof
• fireproof
• waterproof

Legal Definition

burden of proof

: the responsibility of producing sufficient evidence in support of a fact or issue and favorably persuading the trier of fact (as a judge or jury) regarding that fact or issue

the burden of proof is sometimes upon the defendant to show his incompetency

—W. R. LaFave and A. W. Scott, Jr.

compare standard of proof

Note: The legal concept of the burden of proof encompasses both the burdens of production and persuasion. Burden of proof is often used to refer to one or the other. Burden of proof and burden of persuasion are also sometimes used to refer to the standard of proof.