Raskuskoormusi

Raskuskoormusi is a Finnish term that translates to "burden of proof" or "onus probandi" in legal contexts. It refers to the obligation of a party in a legal proceeding to prove a disputed assertion or charge. The specific burden of proof can vary depending on the type of case. In criminal law, the prosecution generally bears the burden of proving the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a high standard, reflecting the serious consequences of a criminal conviction. In civil law, the burden of proof is typically lower, often requiring a party to establish their case by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it is more likely than not that their claim is true.

The burden of proof can be divided into two parts: the burden of production and the burden of persuasion. The burden of production requires a party to present sufficient evidence to support their claim, preventing a case from being dismissed without further consideration. The burden of persuasion then requires that party to convince the trier of fact (whether a judge or jury) of the truth of their claim. In some instances, the burden of proof can shift from one party to another during a trial. For example, if one party establishes a prima facie case, the burden may shift to the opposing party to present evidence to rebut that case. Understanding the raskuskoormusi is fundamental to navigating legal disputes.