Who carries the burden of proof in a legal claim?

In a legal claim, the burden of proof typically rests on the party who is bringing the claim. This principle is foundational in both civil and criminal cases. The party initiating the claim, often the plaintiff in civil matters or the prosecution in criminal cases, is required to establish the facts of their case to a certain standard, such as "preponderance of the evidence" in civil cases or "beyond a reasonable doubt" in criminal cases.

This requirement ensures that the party making the allegations carries the responsibility of proving them, which is crucial to maintaining fairness in the legal system. It protects against unjust judgments by necessitating that claims be substantiated with adequate evidence.

In contrast, while the other options discuss the roles of evidence, judges, and juries, they do not accurately reflect the established legal principle concerning the burden of proof. The judge oversees the proceedings and ensures that the law is correctly applied, while the jury typically weighs the evidence presented and makes determinations based on the facts. However, neither of these parties carries the burden of proof; that responsibility lies solely with the party bringing the claim.