"I'll believe it, if you can prove it" applies to genealogy

For the past 34 years, every time I walk into a trial or an evidentiary hearing, I am aware of the burden of proof. Whether the case is tried to a judge or to a jury, it makes no difference. If I want to win my case, I have to prove it to the satisfaction of the trier of fact, judge or jury. At the same time I am always acutely aware that the opposing counsel will be working just a hard to prove his case and to persuade the judge or jury that his or her side is correct. Our legal system, inherited almost entirely from the English common law, is based entirely on an adversarial system of justice. Whether you believe the adversarial system to be good or bad, the system forces the participants to support their positions with evidence, supporting authority or sources and argument.
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