Definitions

burden of proof

NOUN

responsibility to prove something

Synonyms

STRONGEST

onus

WEAK

onus probandi responsibility

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In criminal law, "the burden of proof is higher," noted Brandon Garrett, a law professor at Duke University -- with prosecutors required to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

But setting aside the burden of proof required in a courtroom, this outcome was hard for many in the court of public opinion to accept.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

If you did have reason to believe financial malfeasance took place, the burden of proof through the courts would be on your shoulders.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 25, 2026

Fifa subsequently introduced an interim framework based on the calculation of compensation payable and burden of proof if there is a breach of contract.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

Hence, it is the presumption of common sense and science that these ESP phenomena don’t exist, and the burden of proof is on those who maintain that there are such phenomena.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos