Who is responsible for the burden of proof in a criminal case?

The prosecution bears the burden of proof in a criminal case. This means it is their responsibility to provide sufficient evidence to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This principle is a fundamental aspect of the criminal justice system, emphasizing the presumption of innocence for the defendant until proven guilty.

The prosecution must present evidence, including witness testimonies, documents, and any other relevant material, to meet the standard required for a conviction. If the prosecution fails to meet this burden, the jury is required to deliver a verdict of not guilty.

In contrast, the defendant does not need to prove their innocence; they can simply argue that the prosecution has not met its burden of proof. The judge and jury also play critical roles, with the judge ensuring the trial is fair and the jury being tasked with evaluating the evidence and determining the verdict, but neither holds the burden of proof in the same way as the prosecution does.