Legal Dictionary

onus

Legal Definition of onus

Etymology

    Latin Origin

Noun

  1. The burden. It is usually used in the context of evidence. The onus of proof in criminal cases lies with the state. It is the state that has the burden of proving beyond reasonable doubt. In civil cases, the onus of proof lies with the plaintiff who must prove his case by balance of probabilities. So "onus" refers both to the party with the burden, and to the scope of that burden, the latter depending whether the context is criminal or civil.

Etymology

    Latin origin

Related terms

Definition of onus

Etymology

    From Latin onus (“burden”).

Pronunciation

  • (RP) IPA: /ˈəʊnəs/
  • (US) IPA: /ˈoʊnəs/
  • Rhymes: -əʊnəs

Noun

onus (countable and uncountable; plural onuses)

  1. A legal obligation.

    The onus is on the landlord to make sure the walls are protected from mildew.

  2. (uncountable) burden of proof, onus probandi

    The onus is on those who disagree with my proposal to explain why.

  3. Stigma.
  4. Blame.
  5. Responsibility; burden.

References:

  1. Wiktionary. Published under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.



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