What does "burden of proof" refer to?

The term "burden of proof" refers specifically to the responsibility placed on a party in a legal proceeding to convince the jury or judge of the truth of the claims they are making. In civil cases, this typically relates to the obligation of the plaintiff to prove their case by a preponderance of the evidence, while in criminal cases, the prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This concept is foundational in the legal system, as it sets the standard for how evidence must be presented and evaluated to achieve a verdict.

While the credibility of witnesses, the duty to provide an alibi, and the right to an attorney are all important aspects of legal proceedings, they do not define the burden of proof. The burden of proof specifically emphasizes the obligation of one party to establish their claims to a satisfactory degree for the jury or judge involved in the case.