What is the burden of proof in a criminal trial?

In a criminal trial, the burden of proof refers to the obligation of the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime they are accused of. The burden of proof is one of the fundamental principles of the legal system in the United States and other common law countries. The standard of proof required in criminal cases is much higher than in civil cases, where the burden of proof is usually based on the preponderance of evidence.

There are different types of burdens of proof in criminal trials. The most common one is the evidentiary burden of proof, which requires the prosecution to present sufficient evidence to convince the jury or judge of the defendant's guilt. Another type is the legal burden of proof, which requires the prosecution to prove certain elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. The burden of proof may also shift during the trial, depending on the circumstances of the case.