# Burden of proof

Topic: Prosecution Case
Topic URL: https://lindsay.conspirograph.com/topic/prosecution-case
Card URL: https://lindsay.conspirograph.com/topic/prosecution-case/card/29
Markdown URL: https://lindsay.conspirograph.com/topic/prosecution-case/card/29.md
Updated: 2026-08-13T12:40:53.809Z

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#### Card #07: Burden of proof

- URL: https://lindsay.conspirograph.com/topic/prosecution-case/card/29
- Markdown: https://lindsay.conspirograph.com/topic/prosecution-case/card/29.md
- Topic: Prosecution Case
- Updated: 2026-08-13T12:40:53.809Z
- Comments: 0

Summary:

The Commonwealth retains the legal burden.

Body:

[VERIFIED FACT] Once criminal responsibility is at issue, the Commonwealth must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was criminally responsible under Massachusetts law. [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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