Translation guide
The obligation to prove one's assertion, especially in legal or argumentative contexts. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific legal terms or more general phrases about responsibility to provide evidence.
The formal legal principle that a party must prove the facts in dispute.
In everyday arguments or discussions, the idea that the person making a claim must support it.
A natural way to express the burden of proof in non-legal contexts. Literally 'responsibility to show evidence'.
その主張をするなら、証拠を示す責任は君にある。
If you make that claim, the burden of proof is on you.
These three terms are largely synonymous in legal Japanese. 立証責任 is the most common. 挙証責任 is slightly more formal and often used in academic writing. 証明責任 is also used, but 立証責任 is preferred in statutes and court opinions.
In casual arguments, Japanese speakers rarely use the legal terms. Instead, they say things like 「証拠は？」(Where's the evidence?) or 「それを証明するのはそっちでしょ」(It's your job to prove that).
The standard legal term for 'burden of proof'. Used in court contexts.
刑事裁判では、検察側に立証責任がある。
In a criminal trial, the prosecution has the burden of proof.
A synonym for 立証責任, also used in legal contexts. Slightly more formal or academic.
民事訴訟における挙証責任の分配は複雑だ。
The distribution of the burden of proof in civil litigation is complex.
Another legal term for burden of proof, often used interchangeably with 立証責任.
原告に証明責任がある。
The plaintiff has the burden of proof.
A simpler phrase meaning 'responsibility to prove'. Suitable for casual debates.
彼の仮説を証明する責任は彼自身にある。
The burden of proof for his hypothesis lies with him.
In casual conversation, you can challenge someone by asking for evidence, implying they have the burden of proof.
それ、証拠あるの？
Do you have proof for that?