Which term defines the obligation to prove facts asserted in a case?

• A. Preponderance of Evidence
• B. Burden of Proof
• C. Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
• D. Undue Influence

Answer: (B)

The obligation to prove facts asserted in a case is called the burden of proof. It describes who must persuade the court that the claims are true and how strong the proof must be. In civil matters, the party with the burden must prove the claims by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it’s more likely true than not. In criminal cases, that burden typically rests on the state to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The other terms refer to standards of proof or unrelated concepts: preponderance of the evidence is the standard of proof, beyond a reasonable doubt is the criminal standard, and undue influence concerns improper influence in the making of a will or contract, not the duty to prove facts.