noun phrase · academic
burden of proof
UK/ˈbɜːdən əv pruːf/US/ˈbɜrdən əv pruːf/BUR·den of proof
the responsibility to prove a disputed assertion in court
Examples
“In most criminal cases the burden of proof lies with the prosecution.”
“If the defence introduces an alibi, that can shift the burden of proof.”
“The judge reminded the jury about the burden of proof they must apply.”
Band 8 sentence
“In criminal trials the burden of proof invariably rests with the prosecution, not the defendant.”
Collocations
- bear the burden of proof
- shift the burden of proof
Word family
Common mistakes
burden proof→burden of proof
the burden is on the prosecution to proof→the burden is on the prosecution to prove
Say it for a higher band
5proof→6standard of proof→7+burden of proof
Synonyms
onus
Easily confused
standard of proof
“The standard of proof in civil cases is lower than in criminal cases.”
Related words
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