The standard that must be met to prove legal allegations. In criminal trials, where a person's liberty is at stake, the burden of proof is “beyond a reasonable doubt.” In civil cases, where money is at stake, the burden of proof is “preponderance of the evidence” or clear and convincing evidence, which requires a lower standard of certainty. [Source: The SAGE Glossary of the Social and Behavioral Sciences; Burden of Proof]
burden of proof
concepts
rules of evidence