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In a criminal case, the term that accurately describes the burden of proof is "beyond a reasonable doubt." This standard is the highest level of proof used in legal proceedings and is specifically applied in criminal cases to ensure that the prosecution has sufficiently demonstrated the defendant's guilt. It requires that the evidence presented must lead a reasonable person to have no reasonable doubt about the defendant’s culpability. This high threshold reflects the serious consequences of a criminal conviction, which can include loss of liberty and social stigma.

The burden of proof lies with the prosecution, meaning that it is the prosecution's responsibility to establish the defendant's guilt to this high standard, ensuring fairness and justice in the legal process. This contrasts with civil cases, where the standard is often "preponderance of evidence," indicating that it's more likely than not that something is true; "clear and convincing evidence," which is a higher standard than preponderance but lower than beyond a reasonable doubt; and "reasonable suspicion," which is a lesser standard often used for stops and detentions rather than for determining guilt in a criminal trial.