The proof rests upon the one who affirms, not upon the one who denies.

Explanation

A restatement of the fundamental rule: the affirmative party bears the burden because a negative, by its nature, does not admit of direct proof.

Where this applies

• The government says I owe a debt but won't show me where it came from.
• Someone says I broke an agreement but they can't show any evidence of it.
• I'm being told to prove I'm innocent instead of them proving I'm guilty.

See also

• 9.1.2 The burden of proof falls upon the one who asserts, not the one who denies.
• 9.1.6 Negatives cannot be proved.