fallacy

Shifting the burden of proof

Also called: Burden of proof fallacy, Onus probandi

Shifting the burden of proof demands that others disprove a claim instead of supporting it with evidence.

How it works

Whoever makes a claim normally carries the burden of supporting it. Reversing that turns a lack of disproof into apparent support, even for claims with no evidence at all.

Examples

"Prove that the election wasn't rigged."

The person claiming fraud must provide evidence of fraud.

"Until you show me this product is useless, I'll keep recommending it."

The recommender should show that it works.

How to spot it

"Prove me wrong" in place of evidence.
The person making the claim offers no support.
Doubt is treated as the claim needing defence.

How to respond

Ask who made the claim and what supports it.
Decline to disprove unsupported claims.
Offer what evidence would be needed on both sides.