Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: sub silentio
Failure-of-proof defense: This is a defense used when someone says that the other person did not prove something that is very important to their case. It means that the person who is defending themselves is saying that the other person did not show enough evidence to prove what they are saying is true.
A failure-of-proof defense is when a party argues that the other party has not provided enough evidence to prove an essential fact in their claim or defense.
For example, in a criminal trial, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. If the prosecution fails to provide enough evidence to prove the defendant's guilt, the defense can use a failure-of-proof defense to argue that the prosecution has not met its burden of proof.
Another example could be in a civil lawsuit where the plaintiff is suing the defendant for breach of contract. The defendant can use a failure-of-proof defense to argue that the plaintiff has not provided enough evidence to prove that a contract existed between the two parties.
These examples illustrate how a failure-of-proof defense can be used to challenge the other party's evidence and weaken their claim or defense.