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 judge said the charge to the jury — instructions on the charges, legal questions to answer and burden of proof needed to reach a verdict — will be long and will be given Tuesday morning. —Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 8 June 2026

The burden of proof for such adjustments should be extremely high. —James Broughel, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026

Rod Brind’Amour had elected not to challenge the Golden Knights’ opening goal of the series on Tuesday, after Andersen was bumped by Keegan Kolesar at the edge of his crease, because the Carolina coach knew the NHL required a heavy burden of proof to overturn a call. —Chris Johnston, New York Times, 5 June 2026

Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson said after Miller’s plea hearing that Missouri’s self-defense law imposes a burden of proof that was too high for her office to secure a murder conviction. —Ben Wheeler may 30, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2026

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.