What is the term for the responsibility to prove allegations in a court of law?

The term that refers to the responsibility to prove allegations in a court of law is known as the burden of proof. This legal concept outlines which party is responsible for presenting evidence to establish the truth of a claim or argument in a proceeding. In civil cases, this typically means the claimant must demonstrate that the evidence is more persuasive than the opposition's, commonly referred to as the "preponderance of evidence." In criminal cases, the burden generally rests with the prosecution, which must establish the accused's guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt."

Understanding the burden of proof is crucial in the context of the legal system, as it sets the standard for what is required in order to secure a conviction or judgment. While terms like onus of proof, standard of proof, and threshold of proof are related to legal and evidentiary discussions, they do not specifically define the responsibility to prove allegations in the same direct and established manner as the burden of proof does.