In legal terms, what is "burden of proof"?

The term "burden of proof" refers specifically to the obligation to prove the truth of the claims made in a lawsuit. In the context of law, the party that brings a claim—typically the plaintiff—has the burden to present evidence that substantiates their allegations. This concept is foundational in both civil and criminal cases, as it determines which party must persuade the court regarding the facts of the case.

In civil matters, such as medical malpractice cases, the plaintiff must meet the burden of proof to show that the healthcare provider acted negligently, which resulted in harm. The standard of proof in civil cases is usually "preponderance of the evidence," meaning the plaintiff must show it is more likely than not that their claims are true.

The other options address different aspects of legal proceedings but are not accurate representations of the burden of proof. For instance, the idea that the accused must prove their innocence is more aligned with the presumption of innocence in criminal law, while the requirement for all medical records to be submitted refers to evidentiary procedures rather than the burden of proof itself. Lastly, the threshold for patient compensation relates more to legal standards for damages, rather than the responsibility to prove claims made in a case.