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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Another drug policy expert said there is no way to know with certainty what a rise in seizures means; generally it is interpreted to mean that more fentanyl is entering the U.S. At PolitiFact, the burden of proof is on the speaker. Maria Ramirez Uribe, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Oct. 2024 Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Laura Crivello rejected a motion by Jones to dismiss the case against his client on the grounds the prosecution had not met its burden of proof. Chris Ramirez, Journal Sentinel, 4 Sep. 2024 But the burden of proof is on Prospect, and that burden is high. Brett Owens, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 However, many officers want the burden of proof to be the criminal test: what the officer honestly believed as chose to act, rather than the lower burden of proof used in civil court, said BBC legal correspondent Dominic Casciani. The Week Staff, theweek, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for burden of proof 

Word History

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of burden of proof was in 1705

Dictionary Entries Near burden of proof

Cite this Entry

“Burden of proof.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burden%20of%20proof. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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 incompetencyW. 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.

More from Merriam-Webster on burden of proof

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!