What is the purpose of the burden of proof in legal cases?

The burden of proof serves the critical function of assigning the responsibility to a party to establish the truth of their claims or defenses in a legal case. In civil cases, this usually means demonstrating that a claim is more likely than not true, while in criminal cases, it requires proving the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

By requiring a party to prove their case, the legal system ensures that parties cannot simply make allegations without substantiating them with evidence. This principle is fundamental to maintaining fairness and justice in legal proceedings, as it upholds the idea that a defendant should not be required to prove their innocence. Instead, the onus rests on the accuser or prosecution to provide compelling evidence supporting their position. This mechanism safeguards against wrongful convictions and ensures that legal determinations are based on adequate proof.

In contrast, approaches linked to determining guilt, assessing witness credibility, or deciding sentencing length focus on different aspects of the legal process and do not encapsulate the primary purpose of the burden of proof itself. These elements are part of broader legal principles but do not directly define the role of establishing the evidentiary standard in litigation.