Who carries the burden of proof in a criminal trial?

In a criminal trial, the prosecution carries the burden of proof. This means that it is the responsibility of the prosecution to present evidence and build a case that proves the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The standard of proof required in criminal cases is high, reflecting the serious nature of criminal charges and the potential consequences for the accused, including incarceration.

The prosecution must establish all elements of the crime and counter any defenses presented by the defense. This principle ensures that the rights of the accused are protected, maintaining the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Consequently, if the prosecution fails to meet this burden, the jury is required to acquit the defendant.

In contrast, the other roles in a trial, such as the defense (which can present evidence to create doubt), the jury (which evaluates the evidence), and the judge (who oversees the trial and ensures it complies with the law), do not carry the burden of proof in the same way. Each of these parties has a distinct function, but it is fundamentally the prosecution's role to furnish sufficient evidence to meet the required legal standard for conviction.