by Christopher Enright
Proving facts in court is an uncertain business. This book describes a model for proof of facts to throw some light on the subject and to make the task more systematic. This model for finding facts consists of four steps –
Step 1. Starting Point: Burden of Proof
At the outset the legal system has to determine who is responsible for proving a case or parts of it. This covers the rule of law known either as the burden of proof or the onus of proof and known here as the starting point rule.
Step 2. Versions of Truth
Parties present their versions of truth to the court. They present what they assert are the true facts of their case.
Step 3. Probability of Truth
The court assesses how probable it is that each version is true. In this it is potentially aided by submissions from parties.
Step 4. Finishing Point: Standard of Proof
Previously in Step 3 the court has determined the probability that each party’s version of the facts is true. Here in Step 4 it measures that probability against the probability depicted by the standard of truth required by law. This standard is referred to in law as the standard of proof. This article also refers to it as the finishing point rule. If an initiating party (such as a plaintiff or prosecutor) has made out the required standard of proof they win their case. If they have not made it up to the standard, they lose. This is why the standard of proof is called a standard – it tells a party how probable their case must be for them to win.
110 pages softcover
About the Author
Christopher Enright is a chartered accountant, barrister and solicitor. He has lectured in law at several universities. He specialises in legal method.
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