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

Number two: The burden of proof is on me and on my company and my partnerships to prove it. —Kristin J. Bender, The Mercury News, 5 July 2024

The judge ruled the burden of proof had not been met for this assertion. —Cnn.com, The Mercury News, 27 June 2024

The burden of proof will fall on the insurers to justify every penny here. —Jenna Carlesso, Hartford Courant, 24 June 2024

The patient must take on the burden of proof to show that is necessary. —Kinsey Crowley, The Courier-Journal, 24 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined above

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.