burden of proof

In court proceedings, the duty of a party to produce sufficient evidence to prove that his case is true.

In English and US law a higher standard of proof is required in criminal cases (beyond all reasonable doubt), than in civil cases (on the balance of probabilities).

In the US, the burden of proof is on the court, since the accused is presumed innocent; in many other countries, the accused is presumed guilty until cleared, thus putting the burden of proof on the defense.