In legal terms, what does "burden of proof" refer to?

"Burden of proof" refers to the obligation of a party in a legal proceeding to present evidence in support of their claims or defenses. This concept is foundational in legal systems, particularly in determining who has the responsibility to prove their case in court. In criminal cases, for example, the prosecution typically has the burden of proof to establish the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In civil cases, the burden may rest with the plaintiff to prove their claims by a preponderance of the evidence.

This concept does not relate to the quality of the evidence presented, the requirement for an individual to testify, or the decisions made by a jury. While those aspects are integral to the legal process, they do not define what the burden of proof entails. Understanding the burden of proof is essential for grasping how evidence is used and evaluated in legal proceedings.