In a criminal trial, who bears the burden of proof?

In a criminal trial, the prosecution bears the burden of proof. This means that it is the responsibility of the prosecution to present sufficient evidence to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The standard of "beyond a reasonable doubt" is the highest legal standard in the judicial system, reflecting the principle that it is better for a guilty person to go free than for an innocent person to be wrongly convicted.

The prosecution's role is to present evidence, witness testimonies, and arguments that convince the jury or judge of the defendant's guilt. This responsibility underscores the presumption of innocence that every defendant enjoys in a criminal trial until proven guilty.

While the defendant has the right to present a defense and can provide evidence to counter the prosecution's case, they are not required to prove their innocence. Instead, the legal system places the onus on the prosecution, ensuring that it is the state or government that must establish the defendant's guilt in a criminal case.