In the alibi defense, who bears the burden of disproving the alibi beyond a reasonable doubt?

• A. The prosecution
• B. The defense
• C. The judge
• D. The jury

Answer: (A)

The prosecution bears the burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and that includes overcoming any alibi presented by the defense. In criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent, and the defense may present an alibi to show the defendant was elsewhere. This does not shift the burden to prove the alibi onto the defense; instead, the prosecution must present evidence strong enough to persuade the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was at the scene or otherwise committed the offense, effectively refuting the alibi. The jury is the fact-finder tasked with weighing the evidence and deciding guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, while the judge instructs on the relevant law.