Burdens and standards of proof for inference to the best explanation: Three case studies

Floris Bex, Douglas Walton*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    Abstract

    In this article, we provide a formal logical model of evidential reasoning with proof standards and burdens of proof, which enables us to evaluate evidential reasoning by comparing stories on either side of a case. It is based on a hybrid inference model that combines argumentation and explanation, using inference to the best explanation as the central form of argument. The model is applied to one civil case and two criminal cases. It is shown to have some striking implications for modelling and using traditional proof standards like preponderance of the evidence and beyond reasonable doubt.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article numbermgs003
    Pages (from-to)113-133
    Number of pages21
    JournalLaw, Probability & Risk
    Volume11
    Issue number2-3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2012

    Keywords

    • Argumentation
    • Beyond reasonable doubt
    • Critically questioning a story
    • Evidence supporting a story
    • Inference to the best explanation
    • Plausible reasoning
    • Shifting of burden of proof

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