What does "burden of proof" entail in civil litigation?

The concept of "burden of proof" in civil litigation refers to the party's responsibility to present evidence to support their claims. In civil cases, this burden is generally placed on the plaintiff, who must provide sufficient evidence to establish their case. This involves not only presenting factual evidence but also demonstrating that the claims made are true based on the standard of proof required, which is typically "preponderance of the evidence." This means that the evidence must show that it is more likely than not that the claims are true.

This understanding is fundamental in civil litigation, as it shapes how cases are prepared and argued. For instance, if the plaintiff fails to meet this burden, the court may rule in favor of the defendant, even if the defendant has not provided evidence of their own. Therefore, the responsibility to present evidence is a crucial component of the litigation process, making the correct answer aligned with the definition of burden of proof in this context.