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

The burden of proof did not shift from the taxpayer and the appraisal was a qualified appraisal. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025

That's because the civil suit must meet a lower burden of proof to fall against Read. —Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 19 June 2025

Klieman said the civil case will feature a much lighter burden of proof than the criminal trial. —Matt Schooley, CBS News, 19 June 2025

Unlike the burden of proof — which pressures others to produce impossible evidence — the appeal to ignorance shuts down the conversation by pretending that not having definitive proof is the same thing as being exonerated. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 1 June 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.