# Burden and presumption

Topic: Criminal Responsibility Law
Topic URL: https://lindsay.conspirograph.com/topic/criminal-responsibility-law
Card URL: https://lindsay.conspirograph.com/topic/criminal-responsibility-law/card/35
Markdown URL: https://lindsay.conspirograph.com/topic/criminal-responsibility-law/card/35.md
Updated: 2026-08-12T03:37:55.160Z

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#### Card #04: Burden and presumption

- URL: https://lindsay.conspirograph.com/topic/criminal-responsibility-law/card/35
- Markdown: https://lindsay.conspirograph.com/topic/criminal-responsibility-law/card/35.md
- Topic: Criminal Responsibility Law
- Updated: 2026-08-12T03:37:55.160Z
- Comments: 0

Summary:

Who must prove responsibility.

Body:

[VERIFIED FACT] The Commonwealth must prove criminal responsibility beyond a reasonable doubt after the issue is properly raised; the jury evaluates all relevant evidence rather than requiring a particular diagnosis. [Massachusetts model instruction](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/model-jury-instructions-on-homicide-i-criminal-responsibility)

Links:
- https://www.mass.gov/info-details/model-jury-instructions-on-homicide-i-criminal-responsibility

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