Half-proof

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Half-proof (semiplena probatio), was a concept of medieval Roman law, describing a level of evidence between mere suspicion and the full proof needed to convict someone of a crime. The concept was introduced by the Glossators of the 1190s such as Azo, who gives such examples as a single witness or private documents.

In cases where there was half-proof against a defendant, he might be allowed to take an oath as to his innocence, or he might be sent for torture to extract further evidence that could complete the burden of proof.

[edit] References

J. Franklin, The Science of Conjecture: Evidence and Probability Before Pascal, Baltimore, 2001, ch. 2.

[edit] External links

Law Dictionary entry, Half proof